Copenhagen 'a step forward' in limiting temp level: Pachauri

IPCC Chairman R K Pachauri termed the Copenhagen accord "a step forward as it limits temperature level to two degree Celsius" and said India has more or less managed to safeguard its concerns on emission cuts.

IPCC Chairman R K Pachauri on Monday termed the Copenhagen accord "a step forward as it limits temperature level to two degree Celsius" and said India has more or less managed to safeguard its concerns on emission cuts.

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"No doubt, it's a step forward, build on agreements though non-binding. But, lot of hard work has to be done to ensure that all the countries, parties to the UN Framework on Climate Change Convention are agreed upon with it (to make it a binding deal)," Pachauri told PTI.

In view of major differences among the least developing nations besides island nations with the developed and emerging economies, the accord is yet to earn universal support from the 193 nations participating at the summit, leaving the conference chair to conclude that participants merely "take note" of the deal.

"All countries have agreed to work towards a common long-term goal to limit global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius. This would ensure that countries reduce or limit their emissions," the head of the Nobel award-winning panel said.

He noted that India has gained in the accord by preserving its developmental stage. "Moreover, India is seen as a major player by actively engaging in the negotiations to happen. It has ensured that it does not take any emission cuts," he added.