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Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia has called for a more comprehensive debate on the issue of climate change as there was an element of uncertainty on whether the climate change was as serious a threat as it was being projected.

“It needs to be thoroughly discussed and if it is true then it is for the developed countries to mitigate the damage caused to environment while the developing countries can resort to adaptation to prevent global warming,” he said at a function organised to release Civil Society Report on Climate Change prepared by the Liberty Institute and Civil Society Coalition on Climate Change.

He said developed countries can afford to spend the money on new technologies which can then be used by the developing countries.

The report, prepared by 40 civil society organisations from around the world, alleges that rich countries were putting pressure on India, China and other poor countries to sign up to binding emission targets. It says cutting greenhouse gas emissions is not a cost-effective way to address climate change. Rather, policies must promote economic growth and empower the poor so that they are able to solve problems and adapt to future needs.

Deaths from climate related natural disasters have fallen dramatically since the 1920s as a result of economic growth and technological development. With continued economic growth, the death rate is likely to continue to fall regardless of climate change, the report said.

It further points out that there was no evidence to show that climate change has caused an increase in disease. If the main causes of diseases such as diarrhoea and malaria are properly addressed, climate change will not increase their incidence. The agricultural production has outpaced population growth in the past 50 years and with continued technological improvements, this trend will continue to 2100, even if the global mean temperature rises by 3 degrees Celsius.

To overcome water scarcity, the report suggests better management and the use of modern technology. Millions of people in poor countries currently die unnecessarily due to lack of wealth and technology.

These problems have generally been exacerbated — not alleviated by foreign aid, which has supported unaccountable governments that have oppressed their citizens, denying them the ability to improve their lot. Instead of pushing emission restrictions and failed ‘aid’ policies, governments should focus on reducing barriers to economic growth and adaptation including removing trade barriers and decentralising management of water and land, the report said.