Narendra Modi is the Prime
Minister of India, struggling to clean up the Holy
River Ganga, and provide basic sanitation to many villages along
India's rivers, where untreated sewage is simply dumped, along with
plastic waste.
JOHANNESBURG 19 JANUARY 2023
South Africa’s military announced on Thursday that it plans to hold joint training exercises off its coast next month with Russia and China, a move criticized by the United States, which has been trying to rally other countries to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine.
India is part of an alliance with Brazil, Russia, China and South
Africa, — known as BRICS, designed to combat the G7:European Union, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
United Kingdom, and the United States. Quite literally, these two
alliances divide the planet in two, as opposing forces. Where the G7 are
reliant on BRICS for tea, coffee and aluminium.
The naval drill is a show of diplomatic independence for South Africa, analysts said. South Africa is part of an alliance with Brazil, Russia, India and China — known by the acronym BRICS — and this naval exercise reasserts South Africa’s position that it will not allow the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to dictate its diplomatic relations.
BRICS may not be a military alliance like NATO, but it is still presenting itself as a “countervailing force to the West.”
Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, the exercise has taken on “a stronger ideological importance at a political level,” Mr. Olivier said. He added that it would have been more “sensible and pragmatic” if South Africa had postponed the exercise.
India
is playing both sides of the fence, selling (labour cheap) goods to the
West, fueled by coal
powered electricity
generating stations, but siding with BRICS against their paying
customers. China, being in much the same situation.
MSN 14 JANUARY 2023
India offers a back-door for imports of Russian oil into Britain, new figures suggest, blunting Britain’s efforts to restrict funding for the Kremlin.
British energy buyers have stepped up imports from India’s biggest refinery, which itself has stepped up crude imports from Russia, according to trade data.
It suggests buyers have replaced some imports directly from Russia with imports from Russian-fed refineries, indirectly supporting Russian oil flows.
Such a supply chain is entirely legal under UK rules, but the data has raised concerns that British efforts to cut off cash to the Kremlin are being undermined.
Oleg Ustenko, adviser to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky, said companies were “exploiting weaknesses in the sanctions regime”.
“The UK must close the loopholes that undermine support for Ukraine by allowing bloody fossil fuels to continue flowing across our borders,” he said.
China and India have stepped up purchases of discounted Russian oil shunned by some traders in the West since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
The giant Jamnagar refinery on India’s west coast imported 215 shipments of crude oil and fuel oil from Russia during 2022, four times as much in volume as it bought in 2021, Kpler data analysed by
Global Witness shows.
At the same time, the UK has imported 29 shipments, or 10m barrels, of diesel and other refined products from Jamnagar since the war began, compared to seven shipments, or 4m barrels, during 2021. Buyers include Shell, BP, Trafigura, PetroChina and Essar.
Refineries tend to import from several sources and mix fuels together, meaning crude oil from Russia is likely to have been used to make diesel exported from India to the UK, though it is not possible to say for certain exactly what goes into each barrel.
“Pre-conflict, it was pretty rare for Indian refiners to process Russian crude,” says Alan Gelder, refining expert at Wood Mackenzie. “Now, about one in five barrels of the crude oil that they process is Russian.
“They [Indian refiners] have always exported to Europe, but they are exporting more now because it’s more attractive as Europe’s diesel prices are higher: it’s shorter of
diesel because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“A big chunk of that diesel they produce now will be based on Russian crude oil.”
Steve Sawyer, director of refining at Facts Global Energy, says India and China “are exporting diesel - and some of it will have come from Russia.”
He stresses that Western restrictions on Russian oil were not designed to stop Russian oil exports altogether, because of their importance to the global market.
The UK only banned Russian oil and diesel imports on December 5. Under those rules, an imported barrel is deemed to have come from the last country where “substantial processing” took place.
This means that crude oil from Russia that is refined into diesel elsewhere, such as in India, can perfectly legitimately be imported into the UK. The rule stems from longstanding tax rules, though campaigners fear it amounts to a loophole that supports Russian coffers.
Seven shipments from Jamnagar have arrived in the UK since the ban on Russian oil and diesel imports came into force last month.
Louis Wilson, senior campaigner at Global Witness, said: “Exploiting this loophole by bringing Russian
oil in the back door puts money in the Kremlin’s pocket, violates the spirit of the UK’s embargo and undermines BP and Shell’s condemnation of the war in Ukraine.’’
Shell said: “Shell made its decision to withdraw from all Russian hydrocarbons with conviction. We are delivering on this, in line with guidance from European governments, including the UK, and in full compliance with sanctions, applicable laws and regulations.
“Under continued guidance from such governments and through our tight internal controls, including strict no Russian-origin product contract clauses with suppliers, we are seeking to avoid fuels that may contain products refined in Russia.”
BP said: “BP takes compliance with sanctions and export controls very seriously and seeks to comply with all applicable regulatory frameworks around the world. We continue to have very strict processes and controls for maintaining compliance with applicable trade sanctions, including the UK’s Russia sanctions.
“We conduct thorough checks on all trading counterparties and certificates of origin and other documents are used to evidence the origin of products.”
A Government spokesman said: “In light of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, the Government has taken steps to end all imports of Russian
fossil fuels including a ban of oil and oil products. Importers must be able to provide proof that goods are not of Russian origin.”
Trafigura, PetroChina and Essar did not comment.
The
sooner the West moves to renewables, the sooner the imbalances in trade,
will restore greater bargaining power to more moderate minded nations
(at present). Granted, that corruption is prevalent everywhere,
regardless of associations.
FEBRUARY
10 2021
"New Delhi: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
(on Wednesday) said the road to fighting climate change is through climate justice and called for giving developing countries enough space to grow. Speaking at an event, Modi said two things will define how the progress journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come:
"health of our people and health of our planet, both of which are
interlinked". "The road to fighting climate change is through climate justice."
At the root of climate justice is the principle of being large-hearted. Climate justice is also about thinking about the bigger and long-term
picture," he said. The remarks come amid a continuing tug of war between developed and developing countries on who needs to do more to save the environment by reducing emissions. Noting that the sad reality is that environmental changes and natural disasters impact the poor the most, Modi said climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship where growth comes with greater compassion for the poorest.
"Climate justice also means giving the developing countries enough space to grow. When each and every one of us understand our individual and collective duties, climate justice will be
achieved," he said.
Asserting that India's intent is supported by concrete action, Modi said the country, powered by spirited public efforts, is on track to exceed its commitments and targets set at the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015.
"We committed to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels. You'll be happy to know that a drop of 24 per cent of emission intensity has already been
achieved," he said. Modi also said India is making steady progress on its commitment to land degradation neutrality.
"We're well on track to setting up 450 GW of renewable energy generating capacity by
2030," the prime minister said.
Highlighting the impact of his government's schemes in combating climate change, Modi said the Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over 34 million households with tap connections in just about 18 months and through the PM Ujjwala Yojana, over 18 million households below the poverty line have access to clean cooking fuel.
"The destination we seek is a greener planet. Our culture's deep respect for forest and green cover is translating into outstanding
results," he said. "I'd like to draw attention to two aspects - togetherness and innovation. Sustainable development will only be achieved by collective
efforts," he asserted.
Apparently,
India is much aligned with Russian in many ways, as Vladimir Putin invaded the
Ukraine. Bringing the world closer to potential all out thermonuclear World
War Three. A rather drastic way of reducing global
population. But, hey, we are headed for virtual human extinction
from climate warming. So, maybe the quicker alternative is preferred. It
has happened before in Earth's history. Dinosaur remains are proof that
the planet can stage a comeback. With new rulers, who might actually
heed the failings of this century.
WHAT
HAPPENED AT COP 28 - The rate of temperature rise is way out of control,
with countries like India, increasing
oil production, instead of investing in clean electricity. Narendra
Modi may be banking on the fact this his country is used to higher
temperatures, so may be able to brave the scorched earth that his
policies appear to be creating. India is also addicted to coal, so well
and truly satiated with fossil fools. Sanctions should be applied to
anyone employing Fordist: Red
Growth tactics. China has been going at it bull-at-a-gate. Also,
teetering economically with massive default on loans, from unsustainable
property development schemes.
CONFERENCE
OF THE PARTIES 28
COP
28 takes over the climate change
baton from COP 27
at Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh city. The twenty-eighth Conference of the
Parties is due to take place from 30th November to 12th December
2023 at the Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE.
It
is the wealthy billionaires
who are giving nothing back. With politicians in the pockets of those
contributing to party funds, to keep a dysfunctional system going.
Hence, apart from a $Green-Dollar, we may also need a Wealth
Tax. With such taxes going to pay off national debts, 100%
transparently, and corruption free. If all countries unanimously
declared a debt
Moratorium, with each of them devaluing their currency,
we'd have an inflation free world. Provided, that those doing so,
stopped building:
1.
Houses that reek of CO2.
2.
Cars and trucks that pump toxic greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere
3.
Ships that pollute the air
4.
Factories that swallow electricity like there is no tomorrow
And,
immediately:
5.
Ban coal for domestic and export energy production
6.
Embark on a wind turbine and PV farm building programme
7.
Engage more proactively in electric and hydrogen infrastructure.
8.
Plant more trees in sustainable fashion to exceed use threefold
9.
Routinely monitor politicians and civil servants for bribes and favours using
anti-money laundering algorithms
10.
Sign up to a $Green or $Agri dollar, index linked to sustainable food
and energy production
It
won't happen of course. Because the World
Bank and International
Monetary Fund (IMF) are the greed driven culprits, who have
engineered the present climate crisis, in fueling kleptocratic empire
building. Instead of cautious restraint.
INTERNATIONAL
FINANCIAL MORATORIUM - Why not just cancel all debts, in return for
pledges not to build any more houses, factories, vehicles and vessels,
that are not 100% zero emission. The banks do not need the money - and
it is only paper. They are the drivers of global warming. Just stop the
clock! With Natioanal Debts cancelled, and all currency index linked to
an $Agri-Dollar, there will be zero inflation. At least, that is the
theory. But, we also need to hammer corruption in politics. Really and
truly tighten against procurement fraud and cash for favours.
Politicians would need to be digitally monitored 100% of the time,
measuring assets against income.
UAE announces diverse leadership team for COP28, that will run at Expo City Dubai from November 30–December 12, focused on raising global climate ambition.
The UAE will host COP28, the annual climate summit, at Expo City, Dubai, from 30th November - 12th December,
2023.
...
SIX
(SUGGESTED) STEPS TOWARD A COOLER PLANET - FOR ENLIGHTENED
NATIONS
1. TRANSPORT: Phase
out polluting vehicles. Governments aim to end the sale of new petrol,
and diesel vehicles
by 2040 but have no infrastructure plan to support such
ambition. Such infrastructure should exceed the performance of fossil
fuel filling stations, prolong EV battery
life and provide power grids with a measure of load leveling.
Any such system should seek to obviate the provision of
millions of fast charge points to include fuel
cell cars, where implementation could otherwise
prove to be a logistical nightmare. This may involve
international agreement as to energy storage format and
statute to steer OEM vehicle makers to collaborate as to
future proofing, to include green
hydrogen.
Marine
transport can be carbon
neutral given the right
policy incentives, with
phased transition in specific stages such as not to unduly
penalize present investment in LNG shipping
and other recent MARPOL compliant IC powered
vessels. Future cargo vessel should be at least in part
powered by renewable solar
and/or wind energy, on the road to zero
carbon, making allowances for technology
catch-up. A scrappage
scheme might encourage fleet operators to accelerate
shipping upgrades, and a fund for radical innovation that
would not otherwise qualify under in-situ programmes (such as Horizon
Europe) might be introduced - with fast-track, reduced,
form-filling and open-loop decision making, such that
applications may be tweaked rather than struck out.
Air travel
powered by kerosene should attract hefty mitigation offset,
where low carbon alternatives should be encouraged such as electric
air transport.
2. RENEWABLES: Renewable
energy should replace carbon-based fuels
(coal, oil and gas)
in our electricity for homes, factories, heating and
transport. Coal and nuclear
power plants should be phased out.
3. HOUSING: On
site micro or macro generation is the best option, starting
with new build homes that are both affordable and sustainable
by design to replace crumbling housing stocks. Encourage
building in timber to
provide carbon lock from a renewable natural resource.
Planning policies should be updated to outlaw unsustainable
development, with harsh financial penalties for kleptocratic
local authorities, especially those with a history of corrupt
practices (from historic similar fact evidence files).
4. AGRICULTURE: We
need to grow more trees to
absorb carbon emissions from a growing
population, unregulated/unrestricted air
travel. New homes should be timber where practical as a
priority. We should
promote reductions in food waste and the eating of foods that use
less energy to produce. Educate children on these matters in schools and
via campaigns such as no
meat Mondays, should be part of ordinary
study. Polluted fish from fisheries, might be replaced with
fish farmed by aquaculture inland, rather than risk carcinogens
from our seas.
5. INDUSTRY: Factories
should be aiming for solar heating and onsite renewable energy generation.
EV parking and even service facilities should be part of new
industrial estates as part of any building permissions - with
subsidies or tax reductions as incentives to property
developers.
6. POLITICS:
- National governing bodies need to
adopt rules to eliminate administrative wastages, to include
scaling down spending on (showboat) war machines, increasing spend on
educating the public and supporting sustainable social
policies that mesh with other cultures. This includes
fostering policies and making funds available to close links
in the technology chain to make up for lost time. Kleptocratic empire
building must cease in the search for natural
equilibrium. Most important of all, corruption
must cease in favour of 100% transparency, with politicians, civil
servants and fraudulent procurement contracts, the subject of anti-money-laundering
computer checks, using the same algorithms to combat terrorism. Because,
corruption is the enemy of a truly sustainable Circular
Economy, otherwise known as Blue
Growth Economics.
COP
OUT
DIRTY DOZEN - IN ORDER OF CO2, METHANE GLOBAL % VOLUME
& COAL FIRED INSANITY
Chinese
President
Xi
Jinping
|
US
President
Joe
Biden
|
EU
President
Ursula
von der Leyen
|
Indian
PM (Russian Ally?)
Narendra
Modi
|
Vladimir
Putin (War Criminal)
Russian
PM
|
Japanese
PM
Fumio Kishida
|
Han
Duck-soo
South
Korean PM
|
Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi
Arabian Crown Prince
|
Justin
Trudeau
Canadian
PM
|
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazilian
PM
|
Joko Widodo
Indonesian
President
|
Anthony
Albanese
Australian
PM
|
1995 COP
1,
BERLIN, GERMANY
1996 COP
2, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
1997 COP
3, KYOTO, JAPAN
1998 COP
4, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
1999 COP
5, BONN, GERMANY
2000:COP
6, THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS
2001 COP
7, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
2002 COP
8, NEW DELHI, INDIA
2003 COP
9, MILAN, ITALY
2004 COP
10, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
2005 COP
11/CMP 1, MONTREAL, CANADA
2006 COP
12/CMP 2, NAIROBI, KENYA
2007 COP
13/CMP 3, BALI, INDONESIA
2008 COP
14/CMP 4, POZNAN, POLAND
2009
COP 15/CMP 5, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
2010 COP
16/CMP 6, CANCUN, MEXICO
2011 COP
17/CMP 7, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
2012 COP
18/CMP 8, DOHA, QATAR
2013 COP
19/CMP 9, WARSAW, POLAND
2014 COP
20/CMP 10, LIMA, PERU
2015 COP
21/CMP 11, Paris, France
2016 COP
22/CMP 12/CMA 1, Marrakech, Morocco
2017 COP
23/CMP 13/CMA 2, Bonn, Germany
2018 COP
24/CMP 14/CMA 3, Katowice, Poland
2019 COP
25/CMP 15/CMA 4, Santiago, Chile
2020
COP 26/CMP 16/CMA 5, Glasgow, Scotland
2021
COP 26/ Glasgow, Scotland 1-12 November
2022
COP 27/ Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 6-18 November
2023
COP 28/ Expo City, Dubai, UAE, 30 Nov - 12 Dec
2024
COP 29/ Absheron, Baku, Azerbaijan 11 - 24 November
DESERTIFICATION
COP HISTORY
COP
1:
Rome, Italy, 29 Sept to 10 Oct 1997
|
COP
9: Buenos Aires, Argentina, 21 Sept to 2 Oct
2009
|
COP
2: Dakar, Senegal, 30 Nov to 11 Dec 1998
|
COP
10: Changwon, South Korea, 10 to 20 Oct 2011
|
COP
3: Recife, Brazil, 15 to 26 Nov 1999
|
COP
11: Windhoek, Namibia, 16 to 27 Sept 2013
|
COP
4: Bonn, Germany, 11 to 22 Dec 2000
|
COP
12: Ankara, Turkey, 12 to 23 Oct 2015
|
COP
5: Geneva, Switzerland, 1 to 12 Oct 2001
|
COP
13: Ordos City, China, 6 to 16 Sept 2017
|
COP
6: Havana, Cuba, 25 August to 5 Sept 2003
|
COP
14: New Delhi, India, 2 to 13 Sept 2019
|
COP
7: Nairobi, Kenya, 17 to 28 Oct 2005
|
COP
15: 2020
|
COP
8: Madrid, Spain, 3 to 14 Sept 2007
|
COP
16: 2021
|
BIODIVERSITY
COP HISTORY
COP
1:
1994 Nassau, Bahamas, Nov & Dec
|
COP
8: 2006 Curitiba, Brazil, 8 Mar
|
COP
2: 1995 Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov
|
COP
9: 2008 Bonn, Germany, May
|
COP
3: 1996 Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov
|
COP
10: 2010 Nagoya, Japan, Oct
|
COP
4: 1998 Bratislava, Slovakia, May
|
COP
11: 2012 Hyderabad, India
|
EXCOP:
1999 Cartagena, Colombia, Feb
|
COP
12: 2014 Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Oct
|
COP
5: 2000 Nairobi, Kenya, May
|
COP
13: 2016 Cancun, Mexico, 2 to 17 Dec
|
COP
6: 2002 The Hague, Netherlands, April
|
COP
14: 2018 Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 17 to 29
Nov
|
COP
7: 2004 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb
|
COP
15: 2020 Kunming, Yunnan, China
|
CONTACTS
Floor 3
2 America Square,
London EC3N 2LU
United Kingdom
TEL: +44 (0)20 7871 0173
FAX: +44 (0)20 7871 0101
info@climateactionprogramme.org
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