Environmental conservation work in India
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G8 countries too slow in race against climate change
Four days ahead of the G8 summit in Japan a new research examines the climate performance of G8 nations, India and other major emerging economies, and reveals that G8 countries are lagging in the race against climate change. The G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, a report by Ecofys, an independent consultancy, was commissioned jointly by WWF and international financial services provider Allianz. It ranks the G8 countries according to nine quantitative indicators, such as comparing past emission trends since 1990 and progress against the country’s Kyoto target. It also scores performance on three specific policy areas, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and development of carbon markets.
“The scorecards show that the leading industrialized countries are not set to meet required emission reductions to stay within a 2 degree warming,” said Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India.
Dr. Joachim Faber, holding board member of Allianz SE, said: “The G8 countries have a responsibility to be high achievers in the race against climate change. They need to be role models trailblazing the way to steer the world towards a low carbon, clean energy economy."
Allianz SE supports the research to gain a better understanding of the changing investment and regulatory landscape as well as of the opportunities for new insurance and fund product developments in its different markets.
"Climate change can create huge opportunities for clean technologies where Allianz SE sees an enormous potential for investment, growth and jobs. Particularly important for developing this potential is the promotion of a global carbon market," said Dr. Faber.
Leaders at the upcoming G8 Summit in Japan next week should commit to a binding long-term target for emission reductions of 80% by 2050, and as close to 40% as possible by 2020, the report states.
“The Government of India has demonstrated leadership and commitment through the release of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which brings out a fine balance between economic growth and ecologically sustainable development path. India’s Action Plan should set a precedent for other countries, especially G8 countries to commit and set significant and binding emission reduction targets and pledge financial and technology support for low carbon development and for adaptation measures in developing countries that are measurable, reportable and verifiable", remarked Mr. Singh.
Summary of the country conclusions:
According to the G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, the UK leads the race slightly ahead of France and Germany but all three countries are at best half as far along the road as they should be.
The UK is projected to reach its Kyoto target, and introduces innovative policies like the Climate Change Bill. While it is putting a strong emphasis on its carbon markets approach, it does too little to accelerate its use of renewable energy and foster energy efficiency. Furthermore the share of coal is currently rising in the UK energy mix, which drives emissions up.
France is ranked second based on its present objectives, performance, and international positions but it is weak on reaching its objectives in the near future. France therefore risks losing its relatively high ranking in next year’s scorecards.
Germany performs best on renewable energy, having a regulatory framework which is an international benchmark. Germany also approved new legislative packages on energy efficiency and climate policies. But so far it has failed to take a clear stance against coal power. There is an increasing and negative trend from electric utilities to plan the majority of new power plants based on coal and lignite, the report says.
Italy, ranked 4th, has started some efforts to address climate change and benefits from having agreed to relevant EU policies. But very few specifically national measures have been implemented and emissions are well above its Kyoto target. It rates relatively well on energy efficiency.
Japan, ranked 5th, is increasing its emissions and is far off meeting its Kyoto target. The government has yet to announce any mid-term emissions reduction targets. Its second rank in the carbon market stems from its extensive use of offset projects in developing countries under the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism but the country lacks national mandatory measures such as emissions trading.
Lagging behind is Russia, which lost its early advantage of lower emissions. During the last eight years emissions increased again. Russia has only planned few national policies, with none yet implemented. The realization of a recent announcement by the government to increase energy efficiency dramatically may well influence the ranking in next year’s scorecards.
At the bottom of the ranking are Canada and the US with ranks 7 and 8 respectively. This is no surprise given rising emissions and energy-intensive economies, and their failure to realize the full potential of energy efficiency improvements. But there is hope: US legislation to cap emissions is imminent and businesses are preparing for a new commodity market, with potential for continental spill over. While both federal administrations have not been supportive of climate friendly solutions, sub-national initiatives might help raise the bar in time for the next edition of the scorecards.
The scorecards also analyze the climate and energy policies of the five emerging economies Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. These countries cannot be measured with the same ruler as industrialized countries, and hence are not part of the ranking. The scorecards reveal great differences between them, in terms of development, energy mix, and resulting emissions. A key question is how industrialized countries will assist these five countries to bring about the move to a low carbon development.
Berlin, 3. July 2008
Contact for queries:
Santosh Balan Bajaj Allianz Tel. +91- (20) 6602 6603
santosh.balan@bajajallianz.co.in
Anshuman Atroley WWF-India Tel. +91 98101 69262
mhiller@wwfint.org
These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.
About Allianz
Allianz SE is member of Transparency International and supports the Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinationals through its Code of Conduct.
Allianz SE is the leader of the insurance sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World 2007/2008, listed in FTSE4GOOD and in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP5).
"Allianz maintains its leading position within the insurance sector on a global basis."
(Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, September 2007)
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain of the statements contained herein may be statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words ‘may, will, should, expects, plans, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, or continue’ and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (i) general economic conditions, including in particular economic conditions in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) the extent of credit defaults (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates including the Euro-U.S. Dollar exchange rate, (ix) changing levels of competition, (x) changes in laws and regulations, including monetary convergence and the European Monetary Union, (xi) changes in the policies of central banks and/or foreign governments, (xii) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, (xiii) reorganization measures and (xiv) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences. The matters discussed herein may also involve risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Allianz SE’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein.
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The company assumes no obligation to update any information contained herein.
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Telemetry offers new insight on Gharial deaths
June 27, 2008, New Delhi: “We could be closer than ever before in understanding the real cause of gharial deaths”, said Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India and Chairman of Gharial Crisis Management Group at an event here at New Delhi. He added, “Fundamental gaps in the knowledge of gharial biology were highlighted in the course of investigations of gharial mortalities that occurred in Chambal. We are hopeful that telemetry test currently underway on gharials will fill in gaps in our understanding of this species.” Mr. Singh was speaking at the Environment and Health Public Lecture series organized by Toxic Links and India International Centre here at New Delhi. He added, “We anticipate that this study will yield new important information on gharials and their habitats like assessment of health and status of gharial population in crisis zone, and procurement of essential data for a comprehensive species conservation plan in Chambal.
It may be recalled that more than 100 Gharials (Gavalis Gangeticus) were lost in the National Chambal Sanctuary since December 2007. A multi-disciplinary team under the chairmanship of Mr. Ravi Singh was set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, to study the possible causes of these mortalities and suggest ways to prevent future cases.
“Death of any specie in such large numbers is a clear indicator of release of heavy toxic material into Gharials natural habitat and points at lax regulatory rules. Immediate action is required from the Government to avoid such large-scale loss to our environment”, said Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link.
“The series, which is open to anyone interested in issues of environment and health as it impacts our everyday lives, has over the years provided a space for an open debate which informs. Re-examining and questioning policies and practices that are in place; and alerts on areas of critical context”, said Lalsawmliani Tochhawng, Programme Officer, IIC.
Gharial is threatened by human pressure and is fighting a battle for survival today. It is threatened by shrinking pray-base, illegal sand mining, river - bed cultivation, fishing and river pollution.
(Ends)
Notes to the Editor:
1. The Environmental and Health Public Lecture Series hosted by Toxics Link and India International Centre has been a journey of six years. Over 70 lectures and a myriad of environmental debates have raged in IIC Conference Room No I every month. May it be Delhi's disappearing trees, a story of tribal migration, water birds, endangered tigers, the National Capital's air pollution crisis or the Right to
Information Act, the list is long. It could have a film, lecture or panel discussion. For over six years the IIC Conference Room No I has been a rare space for the members and general public for a vital connect to issues of environment and health, which otherwise get reduced to the margins or are turned into snippets of news media.
At a time when the issue of environment is emerging as a crosscutting agenda for people from all walks of life, this platform allowed free exchange of ideas that often would have consigned to drawing rooms and coffee tables. For those who wished for an informed scrutiny and feedbacks, filmmakers, activists and experts, this space was an accessible platform. Free from trappings of agenda or vested interest.
2. Toxics Link - Toxics Link is an environmental NGO, dedicated to bringing toxics related information into the public domain, both relating to struggles and problems at the grassroots as well as global information to the local levels. We work with other groups around the country as well as internationally in an understanding that this will help bring the experience of the ground to the fore, and lead to a more meaningful articulation of issues. Toxics Link also engages in on-the-ground work, especially in areas of municipal, hazardous and medical waste management, and food safety, among others. Working in networks, utilising community outreach and education, policy analysis, research, training and program development, we work at the state and central levels to help create solutions, which are driven by the needs of people. We are also involved in a wider range of environmental issues in Delhi and outside as part of a coalition of non-governmental organisations.
3. WWF-India: WWF-India is the largest organization engaged in wildlife and nature conservation in the country. Established as a Charitable Trust in 1969, it has an experience of over three decades in the field. With modest beginnings, the organization was propelled forward by the efforts of its founders and associates who volunteered their time and energy to lend momentum to this movement. A part of WWF International, the organization has made its presence felt through a sustained effort not only towards nature and wildlife conservation,
but sensitizing people by creating awareness through capacity building and environ-legal activism. A challenging, constructive, science-based organization WWF addresses issues like the survival of species and habitats, climate change and environmental education.
For more information, please contact:
Pragya Mazumdar,
Senior Programme Coordinator, Toxic Links
Tel: +91-11-24328006, 24320711
Anshuman Atroley,
Communications Manager, WWF-India
Tel: +91-11-4150 4797
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TRAFFIC India and WWF organise a workshop for Judiciary on Wildlife Conservation
Karnataka Judicial Academy, Bangalore, India: In an Indian first, TRAFFIC India and WWF, in partnership with Karnataka Judicial Academy and Karnataka Forest Department, held a two day orientation programme on wildlife conservation for the Judiciary in Karnataka.
The workshop was held at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, Bangalore from 7–8 June 2008 and was inaugurated by Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph, Karnataka. Justice SR Bannurmath, Judge-High Court of Karnataka and President -Karnataka Judicial Academy also presided over the inaugural function, which was graced by the presence of 18 other Senior Judges of the Karnataka High Court.
The workshop’s principal aim was to sensitize the Judiciary about issues related to wildlife conservation. The Judiciary plays a significant role in championing the cause of forest and biodiversity conservation, and the workshop provided a timely update on the status of Forest and Wildlife legislations, International Conventions on related issues and enforcement of wildlife laws in India.
Over 55 Senior Judges of Karnataka Judiciary and 10 Senior Officials of Karnataka Forest Department participated from across the State.
Hon. Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph in his inaugural address expressed his appreciation for TRAFFIC India and WWF, for having organized the programme on wildlife conservation. He also expressed his concern about building awareness on environment and wildlife related laws among the Judiciary members in Karnataka. Justice Joseph said “Implementation of wildlife laws will depend on the perception of the judicial officers and judges. When environment and wildlife related cases come to court, the understanding of the judges towards such issues is necessary for undertaking the right decisions. Therefore without proper orientation and training towards these laws, the Judiciary will not be able to do justice to our environment”.
Justice Joseph also felt that while the Hon. Supreme Court and the High Court are very proactive on conservation issues, the judiciary in Karnataka needs to be enlightened on the aspects. He urged the Senior Judges to play a catalytic role in wildlife conservation.
Mr. AK Verma, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka present at the workshop said ‘We want to work in co-ordination with the judiciary to protect the rich forest cover of Karnataka. Programmes like these will enable us to share concerns related to forest and wildlife in the State”.
Mr. Samir Sinha, Head of TRAFFIC India emphasized the emergence of organized trans-national wildlife crime and stressed the need for co-operation, collaboration and awareness to meet this challenge.
The second day of the workshop was conducted at the Bannerghatta National Park near Bangalore. It was followed by a field trip.
The various sessions during the programme were led by Senior Forest officers, Supreme Court Advocates, Police officers and Scientists who spoke about legal and technical issues on wildlife enforcement. The experience sharing amongst the participants and resource persons was most valuable. Sri A.V. Chandrasekhar, Director-Karnataka Judicial Academy played a pivotal role in conducting this important orientation programme.
This is the first in a series of TRAFFIC India and the Centre for Environmental Law-WWF India training programmes to be conducted for the Judiciary across the country.
Ends
About Traffic-India
TRAFFIC is the world’s largest wildlife trade monitoring network and a joint programme of WWF, the conservation organization and IUCN-the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was established in 1976 and since then it has developed a considerable international reputation for helping to identify and address conservation challenges linked to trade in wild animals and plants.
In India, the TRAFFIC carries out research and provides analysis, support and encouragement to efforts aimed at ensuring that the wildlife trade is not a threat to the conservation of nature in India.
For more information contact:
Mr. Samir Sinha, or Ms. Dilpreet B.Chhabra at 011- 41504786/43516290.
Notes
Illegal wildlife trade is widespread globally, and is amongst the largest criminal activities. The most commonly known products in illegal wildlife trade in India are: Mongoose hair, snakeskin, Rhino horn, Tiger and Leopard claws, bones, skins, whiskers, Elephant tusks, deer antlers, turtle shells, musk pods, bear bile, medicinal plants, timber and caged birds such as parakeets, mynas and munias.
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New or updated projects
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The documentation, in form of a semi-technical publication, will help WWF India in networking and planning its conservation initiatives on high altitu... » Read moreLess Water More Rice
The ‘Dialogue on Water, Food and Environment’ project, partly based on the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),... » Read moreHead Office
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