India’s climate policy and the global stalemate

Abstract

This report assesses India’s Climate Policy, primarily through a study and analysis of its negotiations at various international conferences. We study how India has interacted with OECD nations, and has participated in what are called North-South deliberations. We take into consideration various factors, in an endeavour to figure out why India has behaved as it has. Additionally, we try to gauge the psyche of not only the policy-makers and intelligentsia, but also the general public on issues regarding global warming. The report starts off with a basic introduction to the concepts of emissions and carbon trading, with their current scenarios. Then, we look into each major conference one at a time to get a flavour of what happened – right from Stockholm in 1972 to Copenhagen in 2009. Then, we take a deeper look at India. In a bid to understand India’s position, we look at its energy scenario and emission patterns, along with the grave threats it faces from the climate front. Then, we assess India’s current situation, which includes its current standpoint, what it thinks of OECD nations and what India’s chief challenges, and arguments in support of its actions are. We also take a look at what efforts India is making on its own accord to address the problem of climate change. Then, to try and understand the different viewpoints regarding the issue within India, we try to split the people into different groups, each with a different view and action plan, and then see how they compose business, government and society. Finally, as part of our recommendations, we give an analysis of what India should do, what OECD nations should do and how technology can provide a huge boon in this case. After the analysis, one thing is for sure – India, China and the OECD nations will have to resolve their differences at the coming conference at Cancun, Mexico later in the year, else, it might be too late.