Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has argued that developing countries are unfairly held responsible for global carbon emissions, pointing to the difference between their per-capita output and that of wealthier nations.
Modi made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating a two-day international conference on environmental and climate governance in New Delhi. The event, titled “Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics,” was organized by India’s National Green Tribunal and brought together judges, environmental officials and other representatives from 17 countries, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“India’s contribution per capita carbon emission is less than half of the global average,” Modi said at the opening session, according to DW. He added that per-capita emissions in developed countries are six times higher than in India.
The prime minister said India had repeatedly raised the issue at international forums, including the 2015 Paris climate summit. He also said India was the only G20 country to have met its Paris commitments ahead of schedule. The supplied report does not provide details of the commitments or the basis for that assessment.
Modi’s comments came after severe flooding in neighboring Nepal, where more than 1,400 people were reported killed. Nepal accounts for roughly 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is described by the World Bank as a negligible contributor to climate change, according to DW.
The conference was scheduled to conclude on Sunday. Its participants included Indian Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior bureaucrats and representatives of state environmental authorities, alongside international delegates.