India will not sign binding emission cuts

Another domino falls. India still promises to be flexible, but we'll see how flexible they're prepared to be when carbon emissions restrictions cripples their economy and their billion-plus people begin to revolt.

Reuters -

India will not accept a legally binding emission cut nor a peak year of carbon emissions at the global climate talks in Copenhagen, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday.

The Dec. 7-18 U.N. talks in Denmark are aimed at settling a legally binding global deal after arguments between rich and poor nations about who should cut emissions, by how much and who should pay.

"There is no question of India accepting a legally binding emission reduction cut," Ramesh told parliament, laying out New Delhi's negotiating position ahead of the talks.

He said India would accept international verification of reductions if supported by financial and technology transfers.

Negotiations have run out of time but there are still hopes that a substantive political pact can be agreed at the meeting instead.

"We are going to Copenhagen ... prepared to be flexible," Ramesh said."