The Copenhagen climate deal is a clever betoken of the coming 2010 Mexico Summit where the US and other developed countries may again shuttle their commitment on mandatory carbon intensity cuts,technology transfers and funding to developing countries (Himalayan meltdown,IE,January 30). The setting up of a Green Climate Fund was mooted in the accord but it lacked details on the sources and names of qualified recipients. The Technology Mechanism was mentioned without specifics too. Therefore,prior to Mexico,major developing countries Brazil,South Africa,India and China that have problems of technology transfer should come together with a Common Minimum Programme on their future domestic emission cuts as recommended by the UN principle of common but differentiated responsibility in reducing global emission. This will then compel key developed countries to act upon their intention to make funds available and aid in technology transfer.
C. Koshy John
Floating theories
This refers to Himalayan meltdown (IE,January 30) and Pachauri knew,ignored glacier error before Hagen: report (IE,January 31). The allegations against IPCC chief R.K. Pachauri for raising the climate change alarm are pouring in from all directions. For instance,what about a Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology teams claims on the Siachen Glacier? Further,both John Beddington (Britains chief scientific adviser) and Mike Hulme (a prominent British scientist) have maintained that the IPCC grossly overstated the effects of climate change. Could Pachauri be using the Nobel awarded to him as a shield for propagating the alarmism?
Parvinder Singh
Noida
Doing little
It was interesting to watch the Pakistan prime minister on TV. He had more to say about Pakistans reaction to Indias actions. However,he failed to indicate if Pakistan had taken any firm action independently on the various issues that have catalysed the downturn in Indo-Pak relations. Probably he is oblivious to the fact that one needs to respect words and commitments of the past in order to build a cordial atmosphere for future dialogue.
Megha Badoutiya
Visakhapatnam
Double standards?
This refers to Will end tax breaks to companies that outsource jobs (IE,January 28). Given the growth of globalisation and capitalism,nationalism and protectionism appear to be fading in India too. Therefore,many are attracted to the model of a single global economy. It does however now appear that these countries do not practice what they preach. For instance,first they demand the removal of trade restrictions placed by developing and under-developed economies. Then,when their own national or political interests are threatened,they resort to protectionism themselves.
Kedar Kale
Pune
