PM Narendra Modi has flown to Paris, France for the crucial UN Climate Change Summit (The Paris Climate Conference from November 30 to December 11) that kicks off on Monday to try to craft a deal to limit carbon emissions – the beleguered city is still under the shadow of the deadly terror attack as some of the attackers reportedly escaped. The Climate Change summit is crucial to save the Earth from the crippling pollution, and other waste material, plus deforestation created by man through industrial activity that are altering the planet in unforeseen ways and may cause untold human suffering in the near future – worst case scenario prophesies famines, floods, cities like Mumbai, New York going underwater as sea levels rise, toxic air and worse. Narendra Modi set the tone for the summit with his remark that it is the responsibility of all to work against global warming and rising green house gas emissions. Moreover, even more crucially, Modi has to battle West's pressure on countries like India, China and other emerging markets to cut back emissions as this may hit economic growth prospects. Here are top 10 points on PM Modi's agenda:
(Image Caption: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves before his departure for France to attend the Paris Climate Conference, at AFS Palam in New Delhi.)1. Climate Change summit: "Leaving for Paris, where I will join @COP21. In the Summit, we will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environment & climate change," Narendra Modi tweeted just before his departure. (Reuters)
(Image Caption: Pictures are displayed on a screen behind the podium of a conference room at the venue for the upcoming World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) at Le Bourget, near Paris.)2. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi will aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. (AP)
3. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi will also deliver a speech on India's stand on the issue and also showcase India's harmony with nature, environment and commitment to mitigate climate change. (Reuters)
(Image Caption: Protesters hold placards as they demonstrate during a rally held the day before the start of the Paris Climate Change Summit in Madrid. The placards read: "Stop Climate Change")4. Climate Change summit: Narendra Modi will also jointly launch the International Solar Alliance with French President Francois Hollande on Monday. (Reuters)
(Image Caption: A logo is seen behind microphones on a podium of a conference room at the venue for the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) at Le Bourget, near Paris, France.)5. Climate Change summit: A concept conceived by Narendra Modi at the launch of the international solar alliance, is expected to be attended by a large number of heads of state, heads of government and ministers of several countries and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. (AP)
6. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi tweeted about an India-specific activity, "At the @COP21 will inaugurate India Pavilion, showcasing India's harmony with nature, environment & commitment to mitigate climate change". (Reuters)
(Image caption: Pictures of flags are displayed on a screen behind the podium of a conference room at the venue for the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) at Le Bourget, near Paris.)4. Modi said there was no dearth of good ideas in the country but their efficient execution was necessary for success and he was focusing on this. The prime minister spoke about various initiatives taken by his government, including promoting LED lights in 100 cities, targeted subsidies and changing work culture in the public sector to turn it around, to push development and save money. (PTI)
8. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi will look to battle back the developed (rich) world, which is trying to place greater onus on developing nations like India in the fight against climate change. (AP)
9. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi's emphasis on the responsibility of all assumes greater significance in the light of this fact. India has been maintaining that the developed countries have been the major polluters over centuries and should assume greater role in fighting global warming by funding and transferring low-cost technology to developing nations. (Reuters)
(Image caption: Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood (R) attends a rally held the day before the start of the Paris Climate Change Summit, in London.)10. Climate Change summit: PM Narendra Modi will usher in India into joining a select group of countries by providing $2.5 million for the vulnerable nations in the Commonwealth to help them introduce clean energy and reduce green-house gas emissions. (Reuters)
(Image Caption: Demonstrators clash with CRS riot policemen near the Place de la Republique after the cancellation of a planned climate march following shootings in the French capital, ahead of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21), in Paris.)