India to slow carbon emissions by 20 to 25% between 2005 to 2020

India's Environment Minister says the country will significantly lower its carbon emissions over the next decade, while the economy continues to expand.

Jairam Ramesh told Parliament the country plans to reduce by roughly a quarter the ratio of pollution from production based on 2005 levels. But despite this, he said developing countries should not accept a binding emissions reduction target.

Jairam Ramesh, India's Environment Minister, said, "I believe, that our negotiating position is strengthened considerably, if we go to Copenhagen from a position of leadership, taking these pro-active measures and taking the responsibility as part of the 11th Five Year Plan, the 12th Five Year Plan and there after, that between 2005 to 2020 our emission intensity would reduce by 20 to 25 per cent on our own, in a legally non-binding manner and not to be reflected in any international agreement."

Ramesh says India ranks fifth in world carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for 4.7 percent of the world's emissions.

To reach its objective, the Indian government will introduce mandatory fuel efficiency standards in 2011, enforce building codes for greater energy efficiency and deploy cleaner technology in coal-fired power plants.