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Source: This post is based on the article “Tackling the climate crisis” published in The Hindu on 12th October 2021.
Syllabus: GS3- Conservation; Disaster and disaster management.
Relevance: To understand the climate crisis.
Synopsis: The climate crisis and the steps needed to be taken in this regard in light of the recent IPCC report.
Introduction
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently published its Sixth Assessment Report. Working Group of the report has strongly expressed demand for climate action.
Why is there a need for action?
Globally: According to the IPCC report, the past decade (2011-2020) was warmer by 1.09°C than the period from 1850 to 1900, and the1.5°C global warming threshold is likely to be breached soon.
India specific crisis– IPCC report warns India against more intense heat waves, heavy monsoons and rise in weather extremes in the future.
The Global Climate Risk Index (2021) ranked India the seventh-most affected country by weather extremes.
What are the actions taken by India for ‘mitigation’ of the climate crisis?
India is targeting 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and it has launched mega solar and green hydrogen missions.
The Shoonya programme by NITI Aayog, which aims to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles.
What is the need of the hour?
Initiatives such as National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the ‘National Adaptation Fund’ has been taken among others.
A breakthrough on adaptation and resilience actions is needed to save developmental gains and adjust to new climate conditions.
A development-centric approach that aligns climate change, food security, and livelihood perspectives and takes into consideration regional specificities is crucial for reducing poverty and distress migrations.
What are the steps needed to be taken by India?
High-quality meteorological data: With improved early warning systems and forecasting, the crisis can be tackled better. Premier research institutes can be roped in to develop regional climate projections for robust risk assessments.
Well-functioning markets: For sustainable production systems, it is necessary to develop well-functioning markets for environmentally friendly products and disseminate them for the desired behavioural change.
Private sector participation: For investment in adaptation technologies and for designing and implementing innovative climate services and solutions in areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, insurance and risk management.
There is a need to protect mangroves and forests to address climate-related risks by blending traditional knowledge with scientific evidence and encourage local and non-state actors to actively participate.
Social protection schemes should be climate-sensitive to enhance the adaptive capacity of rural households.
Effective feedback mechanisms- for continuous monitoring and evaluation, effective feedback mechanisms must be developed for mid-course correction.
A more collaborative approach towards climate change adaptation is crucial. Adaptation planning requires governance at different levels to understand, plan, coordinate, integrate and act to reduce vulnerability and exposure.
