Rajendra K Pachauri chairs the IPCC which was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, along with former US vice-president Al Gore. Pachauri talked to New Age’s Shahidul Islam Chowdhury on October 31, 2007, in New Delhi, India

What impacts will climate change have on the poorest sections of society?
   Climate change has an enormous impact on a range of sectors including agriculture, health, and access to water. Severe weather conditions will become more and more common over the next century. No society in the world can be immune from climate change. But the poorest and the island societies— which do no have the money and materials to cope with events such as floods, storms and droughts— will be the biggest victims of this change. Food security of the poorer countries will be threatened as climate change will reduce food production across the world. Prices of food grains will go up due to scarcity of food. Diseases are also bound to spread. So clearly the poorest societies will bear the brunt of it.
   
   Almost all experts say that Bangladesh would be one of the countries worse-hit by climate change. What measures should Bangladesh take to face adverse impacts of climate change, especially to ensure food security?
   Bangladesh needs innovation in agriculture and fisheries to ensure food security. Changing crop patterns and agricultural practices and efficient use of water would be helpful. Moreover it needs some occupational innovations to provide employment.
   
   Do you think that adapting with erratic climate is sufficient for Bangladesh?
   Bangladesh has become an emblem of the capability of people to adapt with adverse climatic behaviour. We must appreciate the resilience of the people of the country constantly facing recurrent calamity including floods and cyclones. But asking Bangladesh to fund its programme for adaptation will be a crime as the country is worst-hit by climate change and yet its emissions are negligible.
   
   What role should Bangladesh play at international meets on climate change?
   Bangladesh needs to make its voice louder to inform the international community of the severely adverse impact of climate change on her. We too must do whatever we can to inform the world what the country is facing. I am planning some measures that would help Bangladesh to adapt to the erratic behaviour of the climate.
   
   Some experts say that South Asian countries should take a common position at global negotiations on climate change. Is it really possible to take a common stand when almost all the states in the region are faced with the realities of Indian and US hegemony?
   Yes, there are many contentious issues. But I think the countries of this region should definitely look into options to take joint actions. We should look at areas like climate change. This is one area where no politics is involved. Moreover a mix of strategies can be undertaken by all governments for further research on climate science, impacts, adaptation and mitigation; and technological development particularly in the fields of energy supply and infrastructure. I believe India should emerge as a role model to face the crisis as the poorest section of its people will be the worst hit. We need leaders who can change the current development model. We need leaders, whose efforts focus on our well being and the planet’s well being. But unfortunately we do not have such leaders here.
   
   Do you think that the top emitters, including the rising emitters India and China, must accept deep cuts in emissions without delay?
   The stability of human society could be disrupted if we allow adverse impacts of climate change to continue unabated and emissions of greenhouse gases remain unmitigated. So the wealthiest countries should drastically reduce greenhouse gases emissions as rapidly as possible to mitigate climate change impacts. China and India likewise have to find a new development path for GHG emission limits as mitigation is going to be essential, because adaptation alone is not expected to cope with all the projected effects of climate change. Fortunately, the cost of these actions incidentally will not be very high. It is important to ensure lifestyle changes by sensible and rational use of energy. It is equally important to change our mindset. If we emulate the path that has been established by developed countries, it will be at our peril.