India announced on Monday that its current energy policy is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 percent by 2020. However, the country cautioned against imposing mandatory targets to combat global warming, citing potential negative impacts on economic growth. India, which currently accounts for around three percent of global carbon emissions, is among the top polluters worldwide, alongside the United States, China, Russia, and Japan. Despite calls from developed nations and environmental organizations to reduce emissions, India is not obligated under the Kyoto Protocol to lower its emissions, which are reportedly increasing by 2-3 percent each year. Prodipto Ghosh, the environment secretary, emphasized that India is committed to environmental responsibility, implementing programs focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Ghosh stated that the combined impact of these initiatives is projected to result in a reduction of more than 25 percent in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. Booming economies like India and China may face increased pressure at the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Germany to take further action in reducing emissions. India, for example, is currently allocating 2.17 percent of its GDP annually towards addressing climate change impacts through various projects. Experts predict that the Indian subcontinent will be severely affected by natural disasters, diseases like malaria, and increased hunger due to climate change. Some argue that industrialized nations, who are responsible for a majority of global emissions, should take the lead in setting higher emission reduction targets rather than placing the burden on developing countries. A recent U.S. study revealed that the wealthiest nations, including the United States, were responsible for 60 percent of total emissions in 2004 and 77 percent of cumulative emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Ghosh stated that developing countries such as India have not, currently do not, and will not be major contributors to emissions. He expressed concern that mandated emissions reduction measures could negatively impact GDP growth and hinder poverty alleviation efforts. Ghosh called on Western countries to provide more support for developing nations to adapt to climate change impacts, as the poor will be most affected.