The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India organised a side event under the Climate Ambition Pillar of Quad Climate Working Group (QCWG) on “Localising Climate Action” at the India Pavilion on the sidelines of UNFCCC COP 28 at Dubai.
The primary focus of the event was to recognize and amplify the pivotal role played by local communities, as well as local and regional governments, in fostering sustainable lifestyles. The initiative aligns with the global commitment to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
The event comprised two sessions, each shedding light on distinct aspects of localized climate action. The opening remarks were delivered by Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Session-I centered on the involvement of communities in developing and implementing climate action plans to enhance resilience and adaptation to climate change impacts. The panel, featuring representatives from all Quad countries, discussed ground-level sustainability practices, addressed challenges, and proposed solutions. The emphasis was on strengthening platforms for community participation in policymaking, especially by supporting local and regional governments in establishing inclusive planning processes.
Session II delved into the role of National Governments in developing and promoting local policy tools for climate planning. The aim was to enhance the capacity of local experts and facilitate innovative approaches to inform decision-making. The session also underscored the importance of economic measures and innovation in targeting climate action to increase the flow of climate finance and improve resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. Representatives from Quad countries shared insights and strategies during the session.
Both sessions were expertly moderated by Ashish Chaturvedi, Head of Action for Climate and Environment, UNDP India, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topics at hand.
As part of the event, a publication documenting India's climate action journey from COP-21 in Paris to COP-28 in the UAE was released. The publication highlights the significant progress India has made in the past decade since the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the country's unwavering commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The event higlighted the collaborative efforts of Quad countries in addressing climate change. It also underscored the importance of localized initiatives in the global fight against environmental challenges.
The discussions and insights shared during the event contribute to the ongoing dialogue at COP 28, reinforcing the need for concerted action at all levels to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
By Manish Poswal
