Original English text
| | |
Steve Howard The Climate Group
Chief Executive Officer The Tower Building
3rd Floor, York Road
London SE] 7NX
United Kingdom
FOREWORD
In December 2009, the world witnessed one of the biggest political gatherings for the cause of Climate
Change in Copenhagen with participation of more than 190 nations from all over the world. One hundred
and twenty heads of state attended — making it the largest gathering of leaders outside New York on any
issue ever. Whilst the Copenhagen Accord did represent a step forward, it did not deliver on the high
expectations of a legally binding international agreement. Add to it the fact that many developing
countries have yet to meet their initial targets under the Kyoto Protocol and we realize that even when an
international agreement is reached, it might take long before it is implemented in full spirit.
Meeting the challenge of Climate Change and delivering clean low carbon energy and prosperity will
require the leadership of all levels of government. Scaling up the efforts requires the full engagement of
sub national governments, whose decisions can influence 50% to 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions
and most site-dependent adaptation initiatives. At The Climate Group, we strongly believe that the time
has come to take up the discourse with sub national governments that have the power to make rapid
transformations. Sub national governments are closer to the people than their national counterparts, can
move more quickly and are closer to the results.
Gujarat is one State which is already getting on with implementing initiatives to transform itself into alow
carbon economy and is making real changes. Building on a model of positive partnerships between
people, businesses, scientific community and government, the State has shown real commitment. The fact
that the Government has gone ahead and set up its own full fledged department of Climate Change, is a
clear declaration of intent and shows that the actions have been well-planned and thought through.
Demonstrated models like these are required all over the world which will help advance practical policy
development on the issue of Climate Change. I would call this unique compendium of action a 'Green
Autobiography' of Narendra Modi who has shown a definite path and determined strategy to meet the
Challenges of Climate Change, as we approach Cancun for COP16.
Steve Howard
| | |
