According to an article in the New York Times article (Click Here), India announced a plan on December 4^th to slow emissions. Global warming has been a hotly debated topic in the international community with many actors cautious about reaching an agreement. Many countries, including China and India, are waiting for the United States to take action on this issue before making any kind of pledge of their own.

Due to India’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change, they have become a major player in climate change talks. India is said to rank fifth globally in overall emissions with total emissions likely to continue growing as the country continues to develop.

On Thursday, India announced that it would attempt to reduce the nations greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 by improving energy efficiency rather than accepting mandatory limits on emissions. The idea is to slow the growth by reducing the levels of carbon intensity. However, India refused to sign any pact that would stunt the country’s growth.

Additionally India announced that it was prepared to do even more if an equitable agreement can be reached in Copenhagen. The big question is, should they have to? Since the majority of emissions currently in the atmosphere are a result of developed nations it could be considered unfair to compel India and other developing nations to take action, especially if it has the possibility of slowing the growth. Shouldn’t India and China get their own opportunities for development similar to the way West did? Is it right for India to clean up a mess it didn’t make, especially when the United States won’t even commit to a position?

On the other hand, I think that making the efforts to reduce the problem of global warming now, might be more beneficial than if it waits till it is a fully developed country. There is much more information available today then there was when the West was developing. As a result, India and other developing countries are aware of the possible negative consequences global warming might have. It could thus be considered irresponsible to develop in a manner in which these problems can be exacerbated. Furthermore, finding a way to develop while avoiding these problems might save the country from having to fix the problem after it has already developed. The West is a good example of the challenges associated with dealing with the problem after the fact, it might be smart to learn from this lesson.

Regardless of what the international community chooses to do about climate change issues, development in a socially responsible fashion might be more beneficial in the long run. It could reduce the likelihood of problems that accompany global warming, such as rising sea levels, and allow India to become leader in the international community.

In my opinion the West should provide leadership and assistance to developing countries; however it is uncertain if this will ever fully come about. Even if the responsibility does not fall on developing nations, should they make it their responsibility? Is the politics of climate change more important than the possibility of a brighter and cleaner future for the country?

-Jordan Wente