As one of the foremost emerging powers in the world, India has been making its feelings known over recent months; under scrutiny as its profile in the international community increases, it is using its growing economic strength as a justification for its position alongside China as a leading state in the 'new' powers.
India has already stated that the world's most developed countries should take a high proportion of blame for the current carbon emissions problems that the rest of the world is expected to aid these countries in curbing, and now Indian officials have claimed that the failure of these nations to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol has left the climate change situation at breaking point.
Jairam Ramesh, Indian's Environment Secretary, said that Copenhagen must create,
"A meaningful international agreement that all countries will take seriously and implement, unlike Kyoto where countries took on legal obligations and reneged on them".
The statements are seen by some as controversial; Indian has a low emissions per capita rate, but its high population makes it one of the highest contributors to carbon emissions when it comes to totals.
But Ramesh has remained positive on his government's environmental policy, and has hinted that such criticisms are indicative of an international community in which a handful of elite nations dictate policy and culture, stating that,
"Just because we draw attention to the hypocrisy of the West does not mean that we are not conscious of our own responsibility [India must] be recognised as latecomers and stepchildren of the Industrial Revolution".
China and India are two new key players in the global community; with a rise in economic power and immense trading possibilities, both are enjoying increased diplomatic influence.There is a sense that they are two now powerful nations who have felt the consequences of the Great Power system that has l0ng dominated international politics, albeit silently.
Ramesh's comment that India are "'stepchildren of the Industrial Revolution" can only refer to their position as a former British colony, and it is felt by many that, if nations like China and India must be brought into the culture of the Great Powers and Western influence under colonial pressures, then they are entitled to some diplomatic retaliation in their new found power.
With both nations standing together in rejection of early proposals, it seems that they may be the case. Copenhagen will see the first true clash of these old and new world powers.
Posted under Articles, Environmental News
This post was written by Chris Woolfrey on August 17, 2009
