India rejecting Kyoto, despite apparent Chinese willingness

A surprising new move by China toward agreeing to limit emissions could be the key to unlocking a new climate change deal in Durban, despite negativity from India. According to […]

A surprising new move by China toward agreeing to limit emissions could be the key to unlocking a new climate change deal in Durban, despite negativity from India. According to reports from Norton Rose lawyers, China’s position as the world’s largest polluter would force others to follow suit due to political pressures.

The law firm has suggested that positive moves from countries like China could give the necessary impetus to the EU states currently considering a second commitment period.

One country currently in the spotlight is India, who has openly said it would not take on legally binding emission reduction obligations unless European countries upheld previous commitments.

India’s Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan said: “It is time that the developed countries stepped up to fulfil their part of the [legal] commitment under Kyoto. There is an ambition gap because Kyoto partners have not fulfilled their political obligations.”

Related story: Divisions cause stalemates in Durban

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