by Eugene Correia

Toronto: India's Bollywood star and Oxfam ambassador, Rahul Bose, has pleaded that developed countries such as Canada help developing countries in their efforts to fight climate change.

Speaking at York University's environmental studies department, Rahul remarked that developed countries should undertake research and development in newer technologies and pass them over to developing countries. "Instead of asking developing countries to make cuts in emission of gases, logging and other areas, the developed countries must do a lot for improving the literacy, environment and health of the people in developing countries. Two out of five live in poverty and one out of three children is malnourished and two out of three live on $2 a day in India," he noted.

He said that the next big crisis that could hit India would be in Bengal in June because of floods and the next time drought hits Punjab, often in June/July when it is rainy season in India,  the womenfolk would have to walk eight kilometres to fetch a bucket of water instead of four kilometres now. "The women are getting weaker and there are more deaths in childbirth now then ever before," he informed.

Rahul admonished Canada's position regarding Kyoto Protocol. "None of the developing nations have implemented Kyoto. The level of greenhouse gas emissions have increased by at least 20 per cent from the level in 1990. What moral right do the rich nations have in telling the poor nations in how to prevent global warming?" he asked.

Rahul said India was doing enough and that the present government was serious in its fight against climate change. He mentioned that the concerned minister, Jairam Ramesh, was smart and that the government is serious in tackling the issue as it has released a nine-point action plan.

He said that when the next general elections comes, Canadians must their political representatives on their views and efforts regarding climate change. He said that should be pressurized into making Canada do more for preserving the environment. "You separate your garbage as part of environmental measures. You have alternate energies, renewable energy, solar power and you drive hybrid cars. You must also address the issue of health care. You must force your government to have a better record on these issues," he said.

Greenpeace Canada says that "almost 50 per cent of Canadian greenhouse gas emissions come from big polluters like oil, gas, electricity generation and chemicals." The NGO further states that "renewable energy -- combined with energy efficiency measures --could deliver half the world's energy needs by 2050, and that "if climate change continues to escalate, a million species could be threatened with extinction over the next fifty years." Greenpeace Canada remarks that "Canada has one of the worst records in the world on greenhouse gas reductions, ranking below the United States."

Rahul said that there are three keys words -- measurability, reportability and verifiability -- that a country should be judged upon.

Another speaker, Christina Oka, a 17-year old from Solomon Islands, described the plight of her country ravaged by natural destruction. She painted grim pictures of what climate change has done to the coastal villages and how environmental damage has resulted in loss of property and lives. "I am 17 and I see this happening. Those responsible for the damage ask me as to what the hell I know about climate change. They tell me to shut up and get lost. Climate change affects women. Women have a big part to play in fighting climate change because they are the big consumers of products. We need to prepare the next generation."

She said logging has destroyed forests in her country, and that the sea-level keeps on rising, creating danger to the low-lying coastal country. "Half the population has migrated to other countries because of fear. We are a poor nation and prone to natural disasters. We get help from American and Austrlian volunteers," she added.

In a press note, Graham Saul, Executive Director of Climate Action Nework Canada, said, "South Asians Canadians are a very polotically active community and crucial to applying the necessary pressure on Canadian politicans to take meaningul action on climate change. Mr. Bose is the perfect ambassador to share this message."

Rahul Bose has come on a speaking tour of Canada to raise awareness of climate change. He has spoken to South Asians at a private meeting and students of both York and Toronto universities. He will be visiting Vancouver on the last leg of his tour.

"This visit is a wake-up call on the urgency of the situation, one that shows we need immediate action. Rahul and Christina put a human face on the impacts of climate change and we hope it will ignite a critically important community in Canada to support global action for a fair and binding deal in Copenhagen," said Oxfam Canada executive director Robert Fox. World leaders will meet in Cophenhagen in December to negotiate a new deal on climate change, financing and support for developing countries like India.

An International Day of Climate Action has been called on Oct. 24 at Queen's Park, beginning at 2 pm.