Climate change talks should not come in the way of free trade

Lalit K Jha

New York, Sep 28 (PTI) An international conference of
major business organisations from 10 key countries, including
the Confederation of Indian Industries has said climate
negotiations should not be used to erect barriers to free
trade and investment.

In a resolution adopted, following the conclusion of the
two-day conference hosted by the US Chamber and the Energy
Institute, the business organisations said energy security
must be considered as part of an overall international agenda
that promotes sustainable development and addresses climate
change.

"National governments are urged to streamline sitting,
permitting, and other regulatory requirements so that needed
energy infrastructure can move forward with greater
predictability," the conference said in a joint declaration.

India was represented by Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman of the
CII Green Business Center. As an example of India's
progressive action on climate change, the Green Business
Center is the world's second Leed certified building, approved
by the US Green Building Council.

Godrej who moderated the first session on Energy Needs
and Access -- The Nexus Between Energy Security and Climate
Change, set the tone firmly on behalf of India and 'developing
countries'. MORE PTI LKJ
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