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Yes, if one were to believe CSE (Center for Science and Environment). CSE is fearing the realization of the worst case scenario at Copenhagen. Some indicators specified are as follows:

• The US White House issues statement, just after the Indian environment minister’s statement in Parliament. Declares that there is now an emerging consensus on a global deal in Copenhagen based on the ‘Danish Proposal’.

• The White House has lauded India’s and China’s new emissions intensity targets, but has only pledged to cut US emissions to just 3 per cent below 1990 levels – though, for meeting the 2 degree centigrade target, the US must cut down its emissions by 40 per cent.

• The White House makes it clear that India issued targets for carbon intensity because of bilateral meetings with the US president and months of diplomatic activity.

• The problem: the Danish Proposal would do away with the distinction between developed and developing nations. Also, it negates the concept of historical responsibility and would eliminate internationally binding targets. Instead, every nation would ‘pledge’ voluntary action based on domestic legislation.

• This will be an end to the Kyoto Protocol (2) and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

How it actually plays out is something we will know in roughly 2 days from now. I hope that the draft is not finalized if it is as bad as Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has mentioned it to be.