New technology key for carbon mitigation India must make a strong case at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun for substantial international funding for carbon mitigation, said The Hindu in an editorial published Monday. Excerpts: There is justified disappointment that the developed countries have not delivered on the promise of a $30 billion fast start fund made last year in Copenhagen and the commitments made so far are small. The tardy pace of action on mitigation makes it all the more necessary for emerging economies, which are under pressure to reduce their emissions, to push for a stronger plan for funding and technology transfer. India is pursuing the goal of a reduction of at least 20 percent in carbon emission intensity by 2020 (over 2005 levels). It has the opportunity not merely to reduce carbon intensity, but to improve the quality of life for citizens through green infrastructure. Given the scale of what is needed, it should make energy-efficient choices today, not put off such decisions. This is essential to avoid lock-in effects that raise long-term emissions. The experience of the developed countries demonstrates that lock-in effects are felt particularly in two major areas, power generation and design of urban development. These are lessons that should impel India to view urban development, housing infrastructure and transport as crucial determinants of future emissions. Clean energy is another key goal, but success here will depend on the availability of improved technologies that will reduce emissions from coal-based power plants, and enable capture and storage of carbon. These objectives must become core components of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, adding to the emphasis on efficiency and investment in renewable options. Cleaning up coal emissions and improving power plant efficiency will depend on access to newer technologies. __
