Intervening into an “informal stocktaking plenary” led by British COP26 President Alok Sharma on Saturday, India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav ripped into the demand that developing countries commit to eliminating the use of coal and immediately stop subsidizing any fossil fuel. His position was “echoed” by China, South Africa, Nigeria, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, among others, the Times of India reported.
“Fossil fuels and their use have enabled the path for the world to attain a high level of wealth and wellbeing. The UNFCCC [UN Framework Convention on Climate Change] refers to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources. It has not been directed to any particular source. When we have taken the economy-wise targets, targeting any particular sector is uncalled for.
“Every country will arrive at ‘net zero’ as per their own national circumstances, strength and weaknesses. Developing countries have rights to their fair share of the global carbon budget and are entitled to the responsible use of fossil fuels within this scope.
