Statement delivered by H.E. Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (IC) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change at the closing plenary of the UNFCCC COP-21 in Paris, on December 12, 2015
Mr. President,
Today is a historic day. What we have adopted is not only an agreement but a new 'chapter of hope' in the lives of 7 billion people.
Gandhiji used to say that ''we have not inherited earth from our ancestors, but we have it on loan from future generations.''
We have today reassured our future generation that we all together will mitigate the challenge posed by climate change and we will give them a better future.
I thank and congratulate French Presidency for vision, patience and firmness with which you handled this COP. The result is today's historical agreement.
Mr. President,
The Paris Agreement acknowledges and recognizes the development imperatives of India and other developing countries.
The Agreement supports their right to development and their efforts to harmonize development with environment, while also protecting the interests of the most vulnerable.
We are happy that the agreement has unequivocally acknowledged the imperative of climate justice - which we have no doubt reflects common sentiment - and has based itself on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
The agreement also acknowledges the importance of sustainable lifestyles and sustainable consumption patterns.
We are also happy that the Agreement differentiates between the actions of developed and developing countries across its elements.
India has consistently said that the path to climate ambition must be paved with equity. I am happy that the Agreement has recognized this.
Mr. President,
While give and take is normal in negotiations, we are of the opinion that the Agreement could have been more ambitious.
We share the concern of several friends that this Agreement does not put us on the path to prevent temperature rise below 2 degrees and that the actions of developed countries are far below their historical responsibilities and fair shares.
We have in the spirit of compromise agreed on a number of phrases in the Agreement.
Mr. President,
Throughout the course of the negotiations, India engaged constructively and in good faith.
India was also a part of several groupings of developing countries, including BASIC, LMDCs and of course G-77 and China and we support their statements.
Mr. President,
The Conference also witnessed the launch of the historic International Solar Alliance under leadership of our PM Narendra Modi.
This path breaking alliance will provide an unprecedented boost to solar energy development and deployment for meeting the energy needs in a clean, affordable and sustainable manner.
For us, this Agreement is yet another step in a journey we have already started.
I hope that Paris will mark the new beginning, where commitments made will be fulfilled.
Mr. President,
It is India's hope that the Paris Agreement will fulfill the wishes of Mahatma Gandhi who said 'We should care for a world we will not see'.
I thank you. Merci beaucoup
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