These events, coupled with the reassertion in the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that such ruinous weather extremes will become even more frequent henceforth, are bound to set the tone for discussions at the Warsaw meet. They add to a litany of woes: a changed global rainfall pattern, including the Indian monsoon; diminishing snow cover; and swelling mean sea levels. Atmospheric carbon, the IPCC says, will in 25 years hit levels that would jeopardise reaching the revised goal of limiting the rise in global temperature to two degrees Celsius.

The task of the over 190 delegates assembled in Warsaw is two-pronged: first, to find ways and means to stem the ongoing increase in the levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the short run; and second, to move forward in crafting a longer-term binding deal to succeed the extended Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2020. This will inevitably mean greater focus on the use of renewable and other forms of clean energy; curbing emissions from vehicles, industries and agriculture; phasing out refrigerants such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons; and promoting carbon sequestration through reforestation. Naturally, rich countries and major per capita emitters, such as China, should bear the brunt of this burden. India, meanwhile, needs to forcefully state its case for assistance with mitigation and adaptation, especially monetary and technological support. This is a matter of the highest priority. It is worth questioning whether the Union government, which, according to reports, has downsized its manpower commitment to climate change negotiations, is treating this issue with the seriousness it deserves. In many ways, Warsaw is the last chance to get a deal that allows India to grow with assistance from the world - without having to suffer the extremes of weather that would take the lives of its citizens and set back development efforts in the poor areas so affected. In doing so, the government must be willing to accept international scrutiny of the mitigation and adaptation efforts that it puts in place using multilateral money. India must emerge from Warsaw with a deal that protects its people.