Parliament Question: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

In addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, the Government of India has made significant strides in mitigation and adaptation. This blog delves into the initiatives and strategies India has implemented to mitigate rising temperatures, reduce carbon emissions, and build resilience against extreme weather events.

The Nondual National Development Plan (NDC)

India’s National Development Plan on Climate Change (NDPCC) is a cornerstone of its climate action strategy. The NDC outlines ambitious goals across various sectors—water, agriculture, forests, energy, sustainability, waste management, and health—to combat climate change while ensuring the development of these areas.

• Key Points from NDC
  • India has set targets for reducing carbon emissions intensity (GDP per capita) in key areas such as water, agricultural, forest, and energy sectors.
  • The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) serves as a framework, aligning efforts across multiple domains to achieve climate change goals through integrated strategies.

Adaptation: From Practice to Convergence

While the NDC prepares for mitigation, India’s adaptation efforts are equally critical. These efforts ensure that communities and systems can address the impacts of climate change in ways suitable to their context.

• Climate Resilience in Agriculture

  • Climate-resilient agricultural practices include improved irrigation, crop diversification (e.g., agro-harvesting), and enhanced soil health through land management techniques.
  • These practices are shared across sectors like urban planning, agriculture, and rural development initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGRGA) and Rashtriya Krishna Yojana (RKMAY).

• Disaster Management and Response

  • India has implemented disaster management strategies to mitigate risks from natural disasters. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides legal frameworks for early warnings, building construction, evacuation, and capacity enhancement.

Challenges and Solutions

While adapting is inevitable, India’s efforts are part of a broader strategy. Each initiative aims to converge with local schemes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders in areas like land-use planning (Rashtriya Krishna Yojana), food security (Rajya Sabha US Q 3091), and rural development (MGRGA).

• Village Climate Risk Management
  • Village-level initiatives such as climate risk management committees (VCRMCs) and seed banks help farmers and other stakeholders adopt resilient practices. These efforts strengthen the capacities of communities to adapt to climate change.

A Vision for a Green India

India’s commitment to adaptation is not just about individual resilience but building a future where cities, economies, and communities can withstand climate impacts and recover sustainably. The strategies under NAPCC aim to create “common” (respective) and “differentiated” (CBDR-RC) responsibilities across sectors.

Conclusion

India’s efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation are a testament to its role as a global model. While the National Development Plan provides targets for mitigation, the practical implementation of these goals requires careful adaptation. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and leveraging existing infrastructure and policies, India is laying a solid foundation for a future where climate change can be managed cohesively and effectively.

If you are inspired by this approach, consider taking forward steps to address climate-related challenges while ensuring long-term economic and social sustainability.