Asked about the chances of a breakthrough in the talks, Saran said: 'We remain optimistic'.

To a query as to whether it would not be catastrophic for the world if the talks broke down, he said: 'Well, if you think that Copenhagen means the end of the world, then you can think that way. But irrespective of the outcome, the talks will continue'.

'But the point is the kind of proposals the developed countries are coming up with are a major departure from their earlier commitments.'

Contrasting India's stand with the developed nations, he said: 'The developing countries wanted a 40 percent cut in carbon emissions compared to 1990. But some (developed nations) said 2005 should be the base year. By this view, if 2020 is the target, then the carbon emissions cut will be only 15 percent. This is not acceptable.'

Asked about the steps India has taken to reduce emissions, Saran referred to the national clean coal initiative programme. 'We know 50 percent of the power generation in 2030 will be dependent on coal. So we are trying to increase the efficiency of coal utilisation from 35 percent to 55 percent. That will decrease the quantity of coal used.'

He said a plan was afoot to use carbon emissions to promote the growth of green algae, which would then become the source of bio-fuel.