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In an article in the UK’s Financial Times on November 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position on climate change and the principle of ‘differentiated responsibilities’.
So what is India’s share of the global warming burden? Where do we stand when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions?
Yes, India is the fourth highest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world. But let’s get a little perspective. China’s carbon footprint is about seven times ours, while the US, whose population is about one-third of India’s has three times the amount of emissions.
India ranks 127th in the world when it comes to per capita carbon dioxide emissions. That’s right, an average Indian contributes less towards global warming than citizens in 126 other countries. About 1/6th of humanity lives here. Hence, the principle of differentiated responsibilities. The richer, developed countries of the world, who consume more and have had a greater impact on the environment since the industrial revolution must take greater responsibility for their actions.
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