debating the climate debate: Beyond Copenhagen

debating the climate debate

Beyond Copenhagen

(Public discourse-cum-discussion organized by People Development and d-sector.org)

Is the world heading towards a logjam on emission reduction targets? Are negotiations heading towards a geo-strategic arm-twisting? Are national interests being compromised on ‘shared but differentiated’ framework? Is the world heading towards yet another Kyoto II?

These and many more, public discourse on the compelling concerns on climate change have either remained amidst closed doors or between column inches. Between the two, the social space has been usurped by co-opted parties in the disguise of civil voices.

There is more to climate change as the issue oscillates between myth and reality, between negotiation and submission and between targets and technology. Has the geopolitics not undermined the science of climate change? Is the world heading towards a new climate order or will the poor be the victims of the new climate hegemony? Will population reduction become the new global agenda?

If these and other questions concern and baffle you, you are welcome to be part of the public discourse-cum-discussion on Oct 6, 2009 at the Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001. The discourse will start at 5 PM with a moderated panel steering a debate. The distinguished panelists are:

Prof. Pratap Bhanu Mehta*, President, Centre for Policy Research

Mr. Surya P. Sethi, former Principal Adviser (Energy) to the Planning Commission

Prof. Sudipto Mundle, Emeritus professor with the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and former Director, ADB

Mr Anupam Mishra, renowned environmentalist with the Gandhi Peace Foundation

Mr Gopal Krishna**, researcher and coordinator of WaterWatch Alliance

Dr Sudhirendar Sharma, environmentalist and columnist, will lead and moderate the discussion

The discussion will be followed by dinner. Kindly confirm your participation to the undersigned to help us better arrange the logistics.

*confirmation awaited

**Being present in Bangkok, Mr Krishna will provide first-hand account of the progress on the inter-ministerial deliberations on climate change.