UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Antonio Guterres has been "very appreciative" of countries like India and China for their contribution in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and progress under the Paris pact can be achieved despite some nations falling short on their commitments, his spokesperson has said following US' decision to withdraw from the deal.
"The Secretary General has been very appreciative, not just of India and China, but of all the countries who are trying to meet their commitments. It has been very clear from their own nationally declared contributions that these are countries who are trying to play their part in doing what they can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," UN SecretaryGeneral's deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said today in response to a question by PTI.
He made the remarks on being asked about the UN chief's expectations from India and China to play a leadership role in combating climate change following President Donald Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accord.
Haq said at the daily press briefing here that the Secretary-General underscores the need for all countries, states, cities, localities, businesses as well as civil society to play their part in dealing with climate change.
"If that happens, we can make progress on this issue even if countries here and there fall short on their commitments," Haq said, making a veiled reference to the US.
The UN Environment chief Erik Solheim had also said that India and China are showing strong leadership to fight climate change and the decision by the US to withdraw from the Paris Agreement will not deter these global efforts.
"The science on climate change is perfectly clear: we need more action, not less. This a global challenge. Every nation has a responsibility to act and to act now," he had said in a statement after Trump's announcement.
"The US decision to leave Paris in no way brings an end to this unstoppable effort. China, India, the European Union and others are already showing strong leadership. 190 nations are showing strong determination to work with them to protect this and future generations," Solheim said.