The 8th Conference of Parties (COP 8) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changes (UNFCCC) was hosted by India in New Delhi from 23rd October to 1st November 2002 when Baalu was elected as President. With the participation of 4950 delegates from over 169 of the 186 member countries, it was one of the largest events ever organized by India during the post independence period. The High Level segment of COP 8 was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Thiru A.B. Vajpayee on 30th October 2002.



As the Minister In charge, Baalu personally supervised this mega event right from the planning stage till its conclusion. Obtaining approval of Government of an event of this kind for a developing country like India was a difficult task. But once made up his mind nothing would stop Baalu to reach to a logical conclusion and that is what precisely happened in the case of this event when he got the blessings and go ahead of Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

At a time when pressure of developed nation was building up on India to cut down its carbon emissions, as a great visionary, Baalu planned his strategies well and used the opportunity to counter countries like USA-which has not acceded to Kyoto Protocol till date-and several other European nations. He personally drafted a team of dedicated officers of his Ministry under a Joint Secretary way ahead of the event not only to make preparations for the Conference but also to create public opinion both at domestic and international levels in favour of India’s stand on Climate Change issues. Several reputed NGOs ad Media Groups were engaged as early as in May 2002 to organize events to create awareness on issues and opportunities related to climate change across the country.

High level consultations, media workshops, conference on climate change: issues & opportunities, media and sustainable development: strategies to be adopted for the future, South Asian journalists' workshop on global environmental negotiations and adaptation to climate change for agricultural productivity were some of the important issues that were discussed during these events.

Chairing the first Plenary Meeting on 23rd October 2002 after getting elected as President of COP 8, Baalu announced that it would come out with Delhi Ministerial Declaration-based on consensus of all parties-on mitigation of climate change through sustainable development approaches. He said that climate change and sustainable development were inter-linked and it was necessary to focus on critical issues of poverty, land degradation, access to water and food and human health to effectively address to climate change concerns. Given the central role of energy in reducing poverty, innovative technologies in energy sector were required.

The Statement made by Baalu at the Plenary Meeting of the Conference conveyed India's strong commitment to addressing climate change issues through sustainable development. It also set the tone for the deliberations and discussions of the parties during the next 10 days of the Conference.

Known as a great sympathizer of economically weaker groups of society, Baalu called upon the Conference to address the problems of marginal farmers, the fishermen, small livestock owners and others including the indigenous communities and find appropriate solutions to the causes and consequences of climate change. He urged the participants from various countries to bear in mind the ethical and moral dimensions of the global problem of climate change. He further observed that metropolitan mindset should not be allowed to come in the way of addressing the concerns of the most vulnerable communities and countries. Baalu did not forget to remind developed countries to bring the Kyoto Protocol into force at the earliest. He called upon the developed countries to demonstrate their lead role in mitigating climate change.

A book titled ‘India – Climate Friendly Development’ was released on the occasion. The book highlights India's key concerns on climate change and describes the way in which the country is responding to them through a multitude of government, private, and individual initiatives, the country is making serious efforts to conserve energy, harness renewable, protect forests, and enhance understanding about climate change. The book also highlighted that by adopting this climate-friendly path to development, India is contributing effectively to global efforts for protecting our planet.

The event was a top success as it left its stamp of commitment to the global climate change movement and helped taking India’s image to a new high. The COP succeeded in adopting the famous Delhi Ministerial Declaration linking climate change to sustainable development. It also succeeded in operationalizeation of CDM and brought Technology Transfer and Adaptation into focus. COP 8 was greatly appreciated by all Parties for its technical work and constructive discussions under the Presidency of T.R. Baalu. This was a historic triumph for Baalu and his team of officials who worked day and night to make it a memorable event.

As President COP 8, Baalu chaired the Bureau Meeting held in conjunction with Informal High Level Consultations at Roma, Italy on 5-6 October 2003. Besides Bureau Members, President–designate of COP 9, H.E Mr. Miklos Persanyi, Minister of Environment and Water, Hungary and Dr. Corrado Clini, Director General, Department for Global Environment, International and Regional Conventions, Ministry of Environment and Territory, Government of Italy, the Host of COP 9 were also present in the meeting. The meeting was convened to review arrangements for COP 9 and SBI 19 (Subsidiary Body for Implementation) and latest developments towards entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.