India on Thursday described the first draft text of the Paris climate agreement as satisfactory, saying it was encouraged by the progress. India’s key negotiator Ajay Mathur told PTI on the fifth day of negotiations that “everything which we got inserted is still there” in the draft. However, there was reportedly no agreement on about 250 undecided options across the text.
Environment minister Prakash Javadekar and other leaders from around the world will reach Paris on December 7 to transform the draft prepared by negotiators into a global pact before the conference ends on December 11. Mathur said that French President Francois Hollande spoke of the urgency of moving ahead in resolving disputes on climate change. Mathur added that India will continue to work together to get closer to an agreement.
India also sought global support for bringing down the cost of renewable power to reduce reliance on coal, PTI reported. India is looking at enhancing renewable energy capacity in the country by more than seven times.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!