US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said with India and US being global partners, the two nations have to work together to confront the urgent challenges faced by the world as far as climate change is concerned.
"Being global partners means confronting the urgent global challenges of climate change. With rising seas, melting Himalayan Glaciers, more unpredictable monsoons, cyclones getting stronger; few countries will be more affected by a warmer planet than India," President Obama said, while addressing a gathering at the Siri Fort auditorium in the national capital.
"The United States recognises our part in creating this problem so we are leading the global effort to combat it. Today I can say that America's carbon pollution is near its lowest level in almost two decades," he added.
President Obama further said that reducing carbon footprints is just as important for developing nations as it is for developed ones.
"I know the argument made by some that it is unfair for the countries like the United States to ask developing nations and emerging economies like India to reduce your dependence on the same fossil fuels that help power our growth for more than a century. But here is the truth, even if the countries like the United States curb our emissions, the countries that are growing rapidly like India with soaring energy needs don't also embrace cleaner fuels, then we don't stand a chance against climate change," he said.
"So, we welcome India's ambitious targets for generating more clean energy. We continue to help India to deal with impacts of climate change because you should not have to bear that burden alone," he added.
President Obama also urged the young people to do their bit in protecting the planet.
"As we keep working for a strong global agreement for a climate change, it is young people like you who have to speak up so we can protect this planet for your generation. I will be gone when the worst effects happen. It is your generation and your children that are going to be impacted. That is why it is urgent that we begin to work on it right now," he stated.
President Obama further called for India to help the world fight disease with its expertise in science and medicine.
"With your expertise in science and medicine, India can do more around the world to fight disease and develop new vaccines and help us in the more outrage of even a single child dying from a preventable disease. Together, we can stand against human trafficking and work on the modern day slavery," he said.
President Obama, who was on a three-day visit of India, concluded his trip later in the day. During the trip, he became the first US president to attend the Republic Day celebrations and the first president to visit India twice while still in office.
