New Delhi, Dec 23 : Nobel laureate and U N Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change chairman, R K Pachauri opined here on Wednesday that if India does not get a legally binding agreement by the end of 2010, then it would be losing valuable time.

Speaking at an event on the implications of the Copenhagen accord and sustainable development organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) University here Pachauri said the Copenhagen Accord does not compromise India''s sovereignty and no one can challenge the country on voluntary action it takes.

Pachauri's statement, is on line with that of Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh.

On Tuesday, Ramesh came under attack by parliament members for his statement.

Interacting with the media on Monday, Ramesh had said: "There is a change in India''s negotiations. That is flexibility. If assessments change with circumstances, we have to nuance our position to reach a larger consensus."

In his address Pachauri also stressed on need of consensus over the two degrees temperature rise and said "India is a major player in the climate programme."

"The climate change accord reached at the Copenhagen summit was a good outcome, but remains inadequate to combat global warming," he added.

In his address Pachauri also noted "Global emissions must peak no later than 2015."

"Developing nations should lead the climate change program and the Kyoto Protocol must be safeguarded," he added. (ANI)