Reducing global warming primary responsibility of developed nations: Ramesh

Shimla, Oct. 31 (ANI): Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, has said that the primary responsibility for reducing global warming lies with the developed countries.

"We are engaging all countries; developing as well as developed countries...Our stand is clear that the primary responsibility for reducing global warming is that of developed nations," he said during an environment protection conclave in Shimla on Friday.

Ramesh also addressed a gathering of environmentalists during 'Himalayan People's Conclave on Climate Justice', a two-day conclave on Indian Himalayas: Glaciers, Climate Change and Livelihoods.'

The conclave was attended by hundreds of environmentalists and chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

Ramesh also announced a green-bonus scheme for five Himalayan states.

The bonus will be provided to states on the basis of their performance on sustainable development and protection forests.

"The states like Uttrakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which are having lot of forest cover, which are providing ecological function should be compensated for preserving their forests. There must be an incentive for the state to retain their forest cover," Ramesh said.

He also informed that the green bonus would be reflected in the report of the finance commission recommendation, which is scheduled to be released next month.

China and India say the rich countries need to make cuts averaging at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 to avoid the worst of climate change. (ANI)