<i>Indian parties turn to 'climate politics' </i>

For the first time in history, main Indian political parties turned to 'climate of politics or the politics of climate.
Manifestos of three key parties -- Congress, BJP and CPI-M -- for coming parliamentary elections have included a promise to deal with the climate-related issues, taking the note of challenges posed by global warming.
The manifestos promised transition of the country's economy from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources.
"India too has begun to feel the impact of climate change in different ways as global warming emerges as a serious challenge for the world community," ruling Congress has said in its manifesto.
Taking credit for framing the National Action Plan for Climate Change unveiled last year by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the polls document says the plan aims to meet the development aspirations of the people for a higher standard of living and economic growth.
"Mitigating the threat by building a low carbon economy is the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century," the BJP has said in its polls manifesto.
Recognising that containing global warming is essential to protecting life and security of people and environment, the BJP manifesto says if it comes to power "it will actively pursue the transfer of critical technologies that can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions."
Under sub-heading "One Earth, Green Earth" the BJP has talked in details how it will pursue national growth objectives through an ecologically sustainable pathway that leads to mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
In its manifesto, the CPI-M has promised "to take steps to control emission of greenhouse gases through energy-efficient technologies and effective regulation" apart from "promoting solar and non-conventional energy sources".