CII calls on Jayanthi Natarajan in Durban

Durban, Dec 6 (IBNS) The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) CEOs chief executive officers) delegation called on Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests on the sidelines of the COP 17 in Durban.

The delegation, led by Arun Bharat Ram, Past President, CII also participated in the various events at Durban and also had several bi-lateral meetings with business delegations from other countries.

Bharat Ram said in a press statement issued from Durban that the Indian Industry is looking forward to a clear Roadmap for Technology Transfer, Financing and continuation of Kyoto Protocol at the ongoing COP 17 discussions at Durban.

Bharat Ram emphasized on behalf of CII that the Durban COP Round should establish the second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.

"We need a robust outcome to the Kyoto Protocol discussions so as to preserve the important principle of common but differentiated responsibilities," he said in the press statement.

"CII believes that a balanced outcome from the Durban COP Round should include a clear commitment on both Financing and Technology transfer, which are very important enablers to ensure a smooth transition to a Low Carbon Economy."

With regards to Technology transfers, CII is hopeful that these negotiations would outline future policy instruments, which eliminates barriers in technology transfers and enable businesses to undertake low carbon investments.

On the issue of Financing, CII said it looks forward to immediate operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund which would facilitate investment in low carbon projects which provides a positive return on investment.

"This is also in line with the country's stance on a global Intellectual Property Rights regime which will expedite transfer of critical mitigation and adaptation technologies for developing countries at a reasonable cost," read the statement.

Industry being a major stakeholder for development of climate friendly solutions & technologies, any derailment of climate negotiations may affect business and investor confidence, said Bharat Ram.

Durban should ensure that future policy direction will enable positive returns on investment, he reiterated.

In it's various meetings, CII has been emphasizing the voluntary domestic action taken by the Indian Industry in different sectors under the overall policy framework of the Government of India.

Talking about the examples of the Indian Power sector, CII elaborated on the ongoing initiatives with regards to Clean Coal technologies like super critical and Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and also the focus on increasing the contribution from Renewable Energy sources, especially Solar & Wind.

In the Transport segment, there has been a sweeping change in India's vehicle stock over the past decade. Rising concerns about air quality prompted the introduction of emissions-limiting performance standards in 2000.

European-level emission norms for new cars and passenger vehicles were introduced in 2002 in the metropolitan cities in the country.