Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh stated that India cannot achieve high economic growth while also experiencing a rapid increase in carbon emissions, as the country is now the third largest emitter after China and the United States. His remarks were made as representatives from nearly 200 nations gathered in Tianjin, China for UN talks to determine the future of the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Although India's per-capita emissions are currently low, the demand for energy is growing due to the rising middle-class purchasing more cars, TVs, and better housing. The majority of this energy is generated from coal, oil, and gas, which are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. Ramesh emphasized that India's pursuit of wealth should not harm the environment. He stated that India has surpassed Russia as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, marking the first time a government minister has acknowledged this. Ramesh expressed the intention to transition to a low-carbon growth trajectory voluntarily. He highlighted the importance of maintaining 8-9 percent GDP growth while reducing carbon emissions, setting this as a key goal. Poorer nations are now the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and many large developing countries are taking measures to limit the increase in emissions. However, they are hesitant to agree to absolute cuts, as they fear it may harm their economies. India, which fared better than most during the global financial crisis, is aiming for economic growth of nearly 10 percent in the coming years, with its current growth rate at around 8.5 percent. Despite being the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, India was previously reluctant to discuss a low-carbon economy due to the perceived economic risks. In January, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requested a panel to start planning for a more environmentally friendly economy, with the report expected by the end of the year. While India's new climate plan focuses on renewable energy like solar power, coal remains the main source of energy in a country where almost half of the 1.1 billion population lacks access to electricity. Minister Ramesh noted the significant gap in emissions between high and low emitters, emphasizing the need for awareness of India's contribution. The UN climate talks have faced challenges due to lack of trust between wealthy and developing nations regarding climate funds, calls for increased transparency in emission reduction commitments, and frustration over the level of cuts offered by wealthy nations. The United Nations has decided to stop pushing nations to make stronger commitments to reduce carbon emissions out of concern that the talks could come to a standstill, potentially jeopardizing progress on a more ambitious climate agreement.