Rich, developing economies split again

PARIS: A jagged split between affluent and emerging economies over climate obligations became starker on Tuesday when a bloc of developing nations comprising India, China and others said a global deal likely in Paris must produce a clear climate finance road map and ensure rich nations bear a heavier burden.

China ratcheted up its stand, saying the climate agreement must draw a line between rich and less-privileged nations on the issues of climate abatement, adaptation and technology transfer and the deal must be “inclusive, comprehensive and durable”. The statement made at the plenary on behalf of the BASIC group, which also consists of Brazil, South Africa and India, expressed concern over the missing mitigation ambition in the pre-2020 emission reduction commitments of rich nations.

It also urged the developed world to become part of the second commitment period of the only existing climate treaty, the Kyoto Protocol.

Big emitters such as United States, Canada and Japan have decided to remain outside the protocol. Sources said the announcement on Tuesday reflected the decisions taken at a G-77 meeting and showed the unity of the developing world pitted against rich nations in seeking a deal with climate mitigation action for one and all.

The statement also said the negotiations in Paris should be country-driven, transparent and inclusive, demand that comes in the wake of France setting Friday as the deadline for an ad-hoc working group to submit its draft for the agreement.