The world is at a crucial juncture where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and evident. It requires joint efforts from all nations, governments, and communities to combat this global issue. Towards this end, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, recently organised a side event under the Climate Ambition Pillar of Quad Climate Working Group (QCWG).
The event, which was held at the India Pavilion on the sidelines of UNFCCC COP 28 at Dubai, was themed around “Localising Climate Action” and focused on recognizing and amplifying the role of local communities, local and regional governments in supporting sustainable lifestyles.
This is a crucial aspect in the fight against climate change, as sustainable lifestyles at the local level can pave the way for a global impact.
During the event, two sessions were organised focusing on the role of individuals, local communities, local and regional governments in combating climate change and also efforts by the National Governments to encourage localized climate action.
The opening remark was delivered by Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Session-I deliberated on involving communities in developing and implementing climate action plans to achieve greater resilience and adaptation to climate change impacts.
The session also discussed ground-level sustainability practices, addressing challenges & supporting solutions and strengthening platforms for community participation in policymaking, especially by supporting local and regional Governments in establishing inclusive planning processes.
The panel was represented by all Quad countries in person by Ms. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Yusuke INOUE, Director, Government of Japan, Ms. Ella Davison, Director, Government of Australia and Mr. Paul Lau, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, United States of America.
Session II reflected on the role of National Governments in developing and promoting local policy tools for climate planning to enhance the capacity of local experts and facilitate innovative approaches to inform decision making.
The session also highlighted targeting climate action through economic measures and innovation to increase the flow of climate finance and improve climate change resilience, adaptation, and mitigation.
Ms. Rajasree Ray, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Government of India, Mr. Shunsuke KUDO, Assistant Director, Government of Japan, Ms. Ella Davison, Director, Government of Australia and Mr. Thomas Debass, Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships, United States of America were present during the session.
Both the sessions were moderated by Mr. Ashish Chaturvedi, Head – Action for Climate and Environment, UNDP India.
During the event, a publication on India’s climate action journey from COP-21 in Paris to COP-28 in the UAE was also released. The publication highlights the rapid strides the country has made in a decade since the Paris Agreement. It reinstates India’s steadfast commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The event was attended by representatives from various countries, governmental organizations, and NGOs, all united with the common goal of finding ways to address climate change at the grassroots level.
The panelists highlighted the need to involve and empower local communities, as well as local and regional governments, to create sustainable solutions for mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.
