Ramesh suggests damage control to deal with Japan's stance

Betwa Sharma
Cancun, Dec 5 (PTI) Expressing concerns at Japanese
decision not to sign up to commitments under the Kyoto
Protocol after 2012, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh
has suggested "aggressive damage control" to deal with the
situation.
"We did express that there has to be some aggressive
damage control on Japan's statement," Ramesh said while
briefing on his meeting with Mexico's Foreign Minister and
president of the ongoing climate meeting Patricia Espinosa
Cantellano.
"Our concern was fully shared," he said.
Earlier, Japan had said that it will not be subject to
any more legal obligation for carbon emissions under the Kyoto
Protocol after the treaty's first commitment period ends in
2012.
Under the 1997 treaty, industrialised nations are
obligated to reduce their carbon emissions up to 5 per cent
from 1990 levels.
Japan, however, is unhappy with the absence of the US
as well as emerging economies India and China from the treaty.
It says that the Kyoto Protocol only covers 27 per
cent of carbon emissions and leaves out two of the largest
greenhouse gas emitters - the US and China.
Ramesh said that Japan's main complaint was against
China and the US, which are the two largest carbon emitters.
"They're concern is why should the Americans get away
scot free," he said. "They are not worried about the India."
Emission reductions are being discussed under another
track called the Long Term Cooperative Action track, which is
expected to include mandatory cuts for the US as well as other
responsibilities for developing countries. PTI BS
AVT