Debating the Climate Debate: Beyond Copenhagen
On 6th October, I participated in a climate conference “Debating the climate debate- Beyond Copenhagen” organized by Peoples Development at Constitution Club, New Delhi. The distinguished panelists were Mr. Surya P. Sethi, former Principal Adviser (Energy) to the Planning Commission, Mr Anupam Mishra, well-known environmentalist with the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Prof. Sudipto Mundle, Emeritus professor with the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and former Director, ADB, Mr. S K Swamy and Mr. Rakesh Bhatt, Dr Sudhirendar Sharma, environmentalist and columnist, moderated the discussion.
The discussion started with very nice explanation about climate change by Mr. Anupam Mishra. He discussed the three components of the global climate debate as Science, Politics and Philosophy. He suggested that if we pay more attention to the philosophy part too, we can reach some conclusions. I feel this is really the important part where youth can contribute.
This was followed by a talk by Mr. Sethi. It was really an eye opening discussion on India’s position and perspective on climate change. India is constantly talking about GDP growth but the human development index is declining. He emphasized the fact that when we are talking about inequity in global climate debate, we should also think about inequity within our nation. He gave very valuable statistics to explain this. He also pointed out the fact that to have adaptation capability we must develop. He said that water security, energy security and food security are interlinked. He also talked about the historic responsibility of developed world, funding requirements, carbon trading is not the solution and the day one can put cap on emission, these markets will vanish.
During an informal discussion with Mr. Sethi he said that he doesn’t see nuclear as an energy alternative for India for another 60 -70 years and after that nobody knows what will happen. He could probably sense the level of anxiety in me and was calmly explaining the politics of the climate debate. He knew about IYCN’s presence in Bangkok and said that we have a responsibility.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Yes–if the HDI is declining–then we really do need to think about inequity within India!
October 8th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I am glad that Snigdha highlighted Anumpam Mishra’s focus on ‘philosophical’ angle to the climate problem. So far, our emphasis has been on scientific solutions, which has caused more problems than it solves. Science does appeal to the mind, but philosophy fills the heart; both approaches are supplementary for a better and more effective approach. For example, in India Bishnoi community has contributed a lot to the conservation because of their philosophical (religous also)approach to the living creatures without understanding it in scientific terms. Good write up, Snigtha.
Suresh C Sharma