Global Warming and India's National Action Plan

 Climate Change and its impact on India:

The nation has prepared a wide India's National Action Plan to mitigate the menace of climate change. Climate change has become one of the major serious concerns for humanity. It is impacting both humans and ecosystems directly and indirectly.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

It is affecting major natural resources like drinking water, food production, and human-related resources like manufacturing, sanitation, livelihood, and health security.

According to the 5th Assessment Report of IPCC in 2007 on vulnerability, “vulnerability to climate change broadly as the propensity to be adversely affected. Vulnerability encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt”. 

India's National Action Plan and Nation's Adaptation Policy:

According to Beernaet & Malone's report [2005], India is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. It has high physical exposure to climate-related disasters, like 65% drought-prone, 12% food-prone, and 8% cyclones.

NAPCC Adaptation [Credit-Slide Share]

It majorly depends on climate-sensitive sectors, like agriculture, forest, tourism, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The Government of India is serious about the climate change scenario.

Adaptation: 

The UNFCCC defines adaptation as” steps to protect countries and communities from the likely disruption and damage that will result from effects of climate change”. Simply, in the human system, adaptation states to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities.

Stages of Adaptation Process:

The following are the adaptation steps that will remain the same at every administration level.

• Identifying the needs

• Identifying the options.

• Appraising the options.

• Planning and implementation.

• Monitoring and evaluation

India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change [NAPCC] :

India launched eight national missions to combat climate change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change [NAPCC] in 2008. These missions are solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, forestry, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, and strategic knowledge.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

The NAPCC serves as a critical blueprint for India's climate action efforts, demonstrating the country's dedication to mitigating climate change and building a sustainable future. These missions are as follows;

1). National Solar Mission: 

The National Solar Mission aims to promote developing and deploying solar energy technologies. 

National Solar Mission [Credit-X]

It harnesses India's abundant solar resources to increase the capacity for solar power generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2). National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: 

This mission focuses on improving energy efficiency in various sectors, like industry, agriculture, and transportation. It seeks to reduce traditional energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and work.

3). National Water Mission:

India is one of the most vulnerable countries to water scarcity. The Ganga national river plan is one to mitigate the climate change on water resources.

National Water Mission [Credit-X]

It aims to enhance water use efficiency and promote sustainable water management practices.

4). National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture:

Agriculture is a crucial sector in India. The aim of this mission is to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices. Soil Health Card is one such initiative to enhance the capacity of farmers and mitigate climatic conditions.

5). National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem:

This mission has been dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It focuses on conserving biodiversity, improving forest cover, and reducing vulnerability to climatic change disasters.

6). National Mission for a Green India:

One of the most critical missions. It aims at increasing forest and tree cover, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting biodiversity conservation. 

National Green Mission [Credit-X]

National-level tree plantation drive is an example of sequestering carbon and enhancing ecological resilience.

7). National Mission for Sustainable Habitat:

As India is moving towards rapid urbanization, this mission seeks to promote sustainable urban planning and development. It emphasizes energy-efficient building design, public transportation, and waste management.

8). National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change:

This mission aims to enhance climate-related research, capacity building, and the development of indigenous technologies. It strengthens India's ability to assess and respond to climate change impacts

In addition to these missions, the NAPCC also includes measures for promoting sustainable forestry practices and encouraging public-private partnerships to support climate action.

The NAPCC reflects India's commitment to a low-carbon development pathway and its determination to address the challenges of climate change while simultaneously pursuing economic growth and poverty reduction.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

It aligns with international efforts to combat climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Since its launch, India has made significant strides in implementing the NAPCC, with various policies, programs, and initiatives geared towards achieving its objectives.

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