pachauri

"Today we have reached the point where consumption and people's desire to consume has grown out of proportion, " said Pachauri.

Pachauri said although negotiations had not moved far and many leaders are playing down expectations, he has not given up on an agreement.

Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said consumers should begin with one meat-free day a week.

In an interview, Dr. Pachauri readily acknowledged that he presses for particular actions, but said he does so as an individual.

"As chairman . . . I cannot take a position because we do not make recommendations, " Pachauri told Agence-France Presse in August.

Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), told the meeting it was a neglected area worldwide.

Ultimately, Pachauri said the value shift that was needed would take a generation to take hold.

In the next series, due in 2013, Pachauri said the focus would change.

Pachauri is part of a group of environmentalists, scientists and policymakers convened by Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Pachauri also denounced the practice in some restaurants of providing iced water to customers who had not ordered it.

At the time of Pachauri's nomination for the post, Gore called him the "let's drag our feet candidate" .

But, speaking about the latter questions, Pachauri continued: "My advice would be that you keep a distance from the media. "

Pachauri says the trick is to be cool and unflappable, as winning agreement from 100 countries ''is not an easy business''.

Among the proposals highlighted by Pachauri were the suggestion that hotel guests should be made responsible for their energy use.

Mr Pachauri and his colleagues welcomed the report at a press conference, but what actions it will lead to remain to be seen.

"Otherwise I am afraid the agreement will not be acceptable for a large number of countries, " Pachauri said.

Pachauri has refused to apologise for the claim, though the IPCC has issued a statement expressing regret for the mistake.

Such critics are unlikely to be satisfied by anything other than Dr Pachauri's departure.

At present, the IPCC lacks a full-time chair (Dr Pachauri continues to run a large energy-research institute in India).

Pachauri also proposed that governments use taxes on aviation to provide heavy subsidies for other forms of transport.

Some critics, in the wake of the disclosure of the errors, called for IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri to resign.

Pachauri said that a six-month or one-year delay in the search for a deal was not the worst outcome.

Although not an atmospheric scientist , Pachauri has worked on energy issues since his doctoral studies .

''Come, have dessert, '' Pachauri entreats paternally.

In response Pachauri said that such statements were reminiscent of "climate change deniers and school boy science" .

Pachauri rejects the view that population is as big an issue as reducing per capita emissions.

Pachauri looks relaxed, although his long legs form sharp triangles as he balances a plate of food on one knee.

Two years ago Dr RK Pachauri shared with Al Gore the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on climate change.

Pachauri pauses and says gently, ''I should be running soon. '

Pachauri, who was elected chair of the IPCC in 2002, heads meetings attended by representatives of more than 100 governments.

How does Pachauri feel about the carbon emissions he generates pursuing his global career?

Dr Pachauri, who started chairing the fourth IPCC report in 2002, is well into his second six-year stint.

I ask if Pachauri is himself ''veg'', as they say in India.

By the numbers, Pachauri is absolutely right.

After his other visitor leaves, Pachauri greets me amiably.

So is Pachauri right that going vegetarian can save the planet?

''Eat or your soup will get cold, '' Pachauri advises.

The phone rings: Pachauri is due at his next meeting.

Dr. Pachauri: I think it would help the global community enormously, if we consume less meat.

Pachauri is so busy with his two jobs that he can't go out for lunch.

Pachauri says matter-of-factly, ''It's yet to be seen what the government of India will do. '