Context:
India is set to present its first comprehensive framework for combating climate change, termed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by September. This marks a significant step in aligning India’s efforts with global climate commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement.
Key Features of India’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
- Broader Scope: Unlike the previous National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which focused primarily on mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), the NAP expands its focus to adaptation strategies, addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects of climate change.
- Spearheaded by MoEFCC: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is leading the drafting of the NAP. The plan is being formulated after consultations with various ministries, with sectoral frameworks to be submitted by July.
- Nine Thematic Areas: The NAP will address adaptation in key sectors:
- Agriculture
- Water Resources
- Health
- Gender Issues
- Poverty
- Traditional Knowledge
- Finance
- Resilient Infrastructure
- Biodiversity & Forestry
- Integration with Policies: The NAP seeks to integrate climate change adaptation with existing and upcoming policies, development planning, and strategies.
- Implementation at the Local Level: The plan recognizes that adaptation measures are region-specific and will be implemented by state governments and local bodies, with the support of the private sector.
- Climate Finance Needs: A report estimates that India will need over $1 trillion for climate adaptation between 2015 and 2030, focusing on sectors like agriculture, water resources, and disaster management.
Global Context
- Climate Impact: The global average temperature has already increased by 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, contributing to extreme weather events that have claimed thousands of lives and caused substantial economic losses in India.
- Future Plans: India will refine its NAP based on future climate assessments, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) next report and the outcomes of COP30, the UN climate conference that is expected to focus heavily on adaptation.
The NAP represents India’s commitment to addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change, with a special focus on adaptation and resilience at the local level, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader goals under the Paris Agreement.
