Cut carbon emissions before its too late: Pachauri

R.K. Pachauri, chairman of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has asked the developed nations to get serious about reducing carbon emissions before it is "too late.""Continued greenhouse gas emissions will lead to further [global] warming of 1.8 degree Celsius to 4 degree Celsius over the 21st century," he said while speaking at a seminar on "Global Warming and Climate Change Challenge — Issues and Challenges for India," organised by the Union Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Ministry . "The world can at best allow emissions to increase up to 2015 for an equilibrium temperature increase of 2-2.4 degree Celsius," Mr. Pachauri said.He expressed dismay over the recently-held G8 Summit at Japan where leaders failed to set any target date to cut the emissions and he had expected them to come out with a statement. "Lack of political will has marred the purpose of the summit." he said. Elaborating on the wide range of climate change challenges that confront the global community, Mr. Pachauri said that if mitigation steps were taken adequately for the world as a whole, the Gross Domestic Product loss would be only less than three per cent which would not be a high price to pay.There are many co-benefits too, such as energy security, better health and local environment protection, he added.

The Hindu, 28^th July, 2008