GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3427
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23-12-2008
FORMATION OF EARTH SCIENCE FORUM
3427. SHRI SANAT KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry of Science and Technology and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding to form an 'Earth Science Forum' to focus on solutions related to climate change through participation from industry, NGOs, academia and Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the forum would also conduct awareness programmes across the country to demonstrate profitable low carbon growth strategies;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the workshops would be targeted at cities with high number of Small and Medium Enterprises that are carbon intensive such as iron and steel, electricity, automotive, oil and mining amongst others; and
(f) if so, the benefits likely to be accrued through this forum to meet climate changes in the country?

ANSWER

MINSTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. In addition to the Ministry of Science and Technology and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, the memorandum of understanding also includes the Ministry of Earth Sciences. There are three initiatives namely, the climate change leadership council, workshops on reducing carbon foot-print for medium and small enterprises and outreach campaign on climate change.

(c) to (e): Yes, sir. Such interactions have been organized in selected places with high concentration of small and medium enterprises. More such interactions are planned.

(f) As responsible members of the society each economic activity by individuals/institutions for reducing carbon foot-print has to be encouraged to mitigate the impact of climate change.