An increase in global surface temperature is likely to be 1°C by 2030 A.D. and 3°C before the end of the next century if green house gases are continued to be released at the current rate.
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The 80s marked six of the seven hottest summers since 1.8 billion tonnes of CO, released into the air every year through burning of coal and automobile emissions. One of the issues which have divided Developed Economic country and Developing Economic country is the green house gas emissions.
Now developed economic countries agreed to reduce their emissions by 5.2% in the next 15 years over the 1990 level. Of this USA is expected to reduce 7%, the European Union [EU] by 8% and Japan by 6%. However, these countries failed in their commitments since what they have agreed is still to be ratified in their home countries. However, Germany has unilaterally committed itself to a 25% cut in CEC by 2005 A.D.
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1. All countries are expected to adopt simple energy saving measures that would see current emissions drop substantially.
2. Overall C02 emission level must be reduced by 20% from the present level.
3. A switch from coal or oil to other fuels and taking a new look at non-fossil alternatives, everything from solar and geothermal energy.
4. Drastic reduction in deforestation and encouragement to forestation and preservation.
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5. Manufacturing of environment friendly products.
6. Nearly complete elimination of the use of chlorofluorocarbons [CFCs].
Developed countries have realized the negative consequences of their economies and life styles on global warming. But, developing countries consider it as a more peripheral issue as their priorities are sustainable economic development, management of balance of payments, deficits and external debts.
The developing countries must share the burden of emission of green house gases along with developed countries by changing production style, control on population and preserving the rich forest resources. Here, India must take the lead role since the country has the basic skills and infrastructure for meaningful research and also it is a major developing country to play a key role in global negotiations. Otherwise, if the entire burden is shifted to developed countries it will reverberate on developing countries through trade.