Apparently, the world order has not changed after the American invasion of Iraq. France, Germany, EU and America may do a “kiss and makeup” act, but they would be having a hidden agenda to promote a multipolar world. The invitation to India to join the G-8 summit could be a step in this direction. Against this backdrop, the forthright statement by the Indian Prime Minister about non-ratification of the Kyoto Protocol just four days before the World Environment Day (June 5) gains much significance. Non-ratification of the Protocol (under which industrial nations agreed to cut their emissions of six greenhouse gases beginning in 2008) has stalled the Clean Development Mechanism for investment and technology flows to developing countries for carbon credits. This has impeded programmes for renewable energy and energy conservation.

Of late, a new trend is emerging where interested parties publish findings of some convenient results of research projects to create confusion and influence public opinion. Reports like depleted uranium do not cause cancer and passive smoking is not injurious to health fall into these categories.

A few days back, the US cited research by two NRI scientists, which claims that burning of cow dung and coal had caused a brown cloud over Asia, to justify its decision not to sign the Kyoto protocol.  Burning of cow dung and coal is an age-old practice in the subcontinent and satellites have been watching this region for many decades. Now, the Asian Brown Cloud has emerged (post 1996) as a problem because of these practices. Developing nations have therefore become wary of American policies. The world understands the motives of the US to back out of the Kyoto protocol. Similarly, they told the Russians that they have no faith in Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty. They have made a joke of the Biological and Toxic Weapon Convention (BTWC) treaty.

The US argues that the Kyoto Protocol is flawed because India and China are not included. India has argued that it is unfair to expect poor countries to make the same sacrifices as developed nations. Eventually, the ultimate loser in this fight will be the coming generations. Current environmental policy involves uncertainty mainly because it derives its strength from politics and economics, compromises and trade-offs.

The environment knows no boundaries, but natural resources and eco-systems are shared across national boundaries; hence, national interests dictate their environment policies. The progress in this area is slow because of lack of resources with the developing countries, and the lack of inclination to share the burden by rich countries. Hence, countries like America are trying to strike a balance between telling the truth and telling the necessary lies.

The Prime Minister’s recent statement could be viewed as a proactive agenda for climate change negotiations to ensure that Indian views are adequately highlighted and its interests protected. But, India’s track record on these issues is not unblemished. India has not developed, in any substantive way, an alternative approach that bridges the current developed-underdeveloped nations gap to safeguard its long-term interests. The Indian private sector is still confused about its role in development of an eco-friendly technology. Even within the country the nation has failed to educate the masses; other than producing eco-friendly colours for the Holi festival, no serious efforts are being made by government or private enterprises.

Currently, apart from the impact of greenhouse gases, India is facing many other environmental challenges. From Ganga to Yamuna all rivers are polluted. No positive control on the usage of CFCs exists, nor are alternative technologies available. Drinking water is always scarce and no authentic study has been carried about the drawbacks of ‘linking the rivers’ project. Farmers are not sure about the usage of genetically modified seeds like BT cotton. Barring the metros, the concept of rainwater harvesting is yet to reach every household.  Agriculture and green zones are rapidly becoming non-agriculture zones. A major mismatch exists between green technologies (CNG buses) and pollution.

Hence, today, while India is putting up a good fight at the international level on environmental issues it also becomes essential to look within itself and act. There is a need for India to make a stronger commitment towards environmental solidarity by putting its own house in order. It must be understood that in future also the George Bushes of the world will act irresponsibly. What India has to decide is to strike the right balance between being effective and being honest.