Unacceptable to Compare India’s Emissions with Major Emitters, says European Parliament Official

Unacceptable to Compare India's Emissions with Major Emitters, says European Parliament Official

VoM News Desk | December 9, 2023 | 01:42 PM IST | Climate & Environment | Follow on Google News

Unacceptable to Compare India’s Emissions with Major Emitters, says European Parliament Official

Unacceptable to Compare India’s Emissions with Major Emitters, says European Parliament Official

A senior official of the European Parliament, Peter Liese, has strongly opposed the unfair comparison of India’s emissions with major emitters like China and the US. Speaking at the UN climate talks, Liese emphasized that India’s per capita emissions are significantly lower, stating, “Indian people should be able to own a car when people in Germany own two cars.” Despite India’s lower per capita emissions, attempts have been made to associate it with major emitters at climate negotiations.

India’s per capita carbon dioxide emissions, though showing a five percent increase last year, stand at 2 tonnes, less than half of the global average. In contrast, the United States leads per capita emissions with 14.9 tonnes, followed by Russia (11.4), Japan (8.5), China (8), and the European Union (6.2). Liese stressed the importance of recognizing the vast differences in per capita emissions between India and countries like the US, China, and the UAE.

Addressing the controversial Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a border tax proposed by the EU on energy-intensive goods from developing countries, Liese argued that meeting the EU’s climate promises is “just not possible” without it. The CBAM aims to establish a fair carbon price for energy-intensive products, fostering a level playing field and reducing emissions from imports, which contribute to 20 percent of the EU’s total emissions.

Despite India’s low per capita emissions, Liese acknowledged that sectors like cement, iron, and steel are carbon-intensive, suggesting the need to find a balanced approach. The EU’s carbon tax plan has sparked debates at the international climate conference, with concerns raised by developing countries about its potential impact on livelihoods and economic growth.

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