The UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon urged for a trilateral partnership of government and inter-governmental agencies, business houses and civil society organisation to combat the impact of climate change.
He noted India had the potential to give leadership in the area of combating the effects of climate change. Many Indian companies have joined the global initiative under the umbrella of World Business Council on Climate Change (WBCCC).
Speaking to the CEOs of TERI-Business Council for Sustainable Development in Capital on Thursday, Ban said : ?the current financial crisis may cause credit squeeze and may have a direct impact on public policies. It may reverse some of the initiative made for the poor. High growth rate has helped India and this need to be sustained.?
Voicing concerns for the poor who feel the burnt of climate change, he said : ?I am going to be the voice of the voiceless and defence of the defenceless.? Ban said that government policies should aim at an ambitious sealing on emissions, new technology for the developing world, putting in place right renewable energy targets in key areas and investment in R&D. He also called for voluntary efforts on part of corporate houses and develop a corporate norm for building a green economy compatible with development.
He stressed the need for generating awareness and educating people to change their life styles which have contributed to climate change. The TERI director-general, RK Pachauri stressed the need to lessen consumption of meat Ban supported the developing countries position and said that in matters of combating climate change the principle of ?common and differentiated responsibility? should continue.