The COP21 Conference in Paris. (AFP Photo)
Countries are trying hard to reach a legally binding agreement in Paris at the COP21 meet. US President Barack Obama on Tuesday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the progress made in the climate change negotiations that are still on, the White House said.
In a surprise move, the European Union, that had otherwise kept a low profile, made a joint declaration with the group of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States stressing their "shared commitment" for a climate deal. The announcement is being seen by many as an attempt by developed nations to weaken the unity of G77 + China nations of which India is a part.
The declaration excludes the two key issues that India has been stressing on: a clear commitment from developed nations to stick to their promise to contribute to the Green Climate Fund (as part of their historical responsibility for the emissions that they added when they were developing) and also a sharing of technology by rich nations (to help developing nations move to clean energy).
Echoing the stand of the US and developed nations, the statement also says that the Paris agreement must include a transparency and accountability system to track progress of national commitments.
Countries like India have been firm on the position that it is the developed countries who should contribute to the Green Climate Fund. In 2011, they had pledged 100 billion dollars per year after 2020 to the fund.
India's position is that it will make contribution to its neighbouring countries but under "south-south solidarity" and nothing should serve as an excuse for developed nations to avoid their own responsibility to add to the fund.
The US insists that all countries which are "in a position to" make contributions should do so. But, the US itself is finding it hard to find support at home to make the contributions that it had committed to. Many say it is, therefore, trying to shift the burden to the developing nations. A US White House advisor told NDTV that this commitment was not legally binding.
The US is resisting entering a legally binding agreement. But such an agreement is the only way the rest of the world can make sure the developed nations act on their commitments.