POLITICS-Dead Men Walking

plans in India, prompted not so much by environmetal concerns as by efficiency needs, alternative energy development or resource use plans have not got off the ground. There is no arguing with the position that without the US, which accounts for the production of 80 per cent of the greenhouse gases, committing itself to a reasonable timeframe for reduction of greenhouse gases, no agreement will have any effect on global warming. Equally, there must be definite commitments on the transfer of technology for the production of alternatives to greenhouse gases which have already been developed and third world countries need to be provided better access to financial support for such development. However, if the Kyoto meeting has any lessons to offer so far it is that the developing countries, in not working towards an alternative plan and perspective not just on greenhouse gas emissions but on alternative energy resource development and industrial growth, have failed in making the best use of such platforms as Kyoto. It is time that developing countries forge necessary issue-based alliances, bringing together their historical, political and development experiences to take the initiative, especially on issues such as the environment.