The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, in collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), organized a compelling side event under the Adaptation Pillar of the Quad Climate Working Group (QCWG) at the UNFCCC COP 28 India Pavilion in Dubai.
The event, titled “Capturing the Resilience Dividend: Quad Achievements under the Climate Adaptation Pillar,” took place on December 9, 2023, drawing attention to the collaborative efforts of Quad nations in addressing climate change challenges.
Representatives from all Quad countries participated in person, comprising the Environmental Management and Climate Change Group. The session, expertly moderated by Krishna Vatsa, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India, emphasized the pressing need to measure and promote the resilience dividend among stakeholders involved in climate adaptation efforts.
The panel shed light on the critical importance of integrating resilience into investments, policies, planning, and governance to safeguard infrastructure, investments, and communities. Among the challenges discussed were the lack of data, coordination issues, financing gaps, and the conceptual and implementation capacity at the local level when it comes to integrating adaptation measures.
Efforts made by Quad nations towards resilience integration were highlighted, showcasing initiatives such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), community-driven projects emphasizing nature-based solutions, and locally-led adaptation and resilience projects. Notable examples included climate-resilient projects from the Indo-Pacific region.
Commending the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), supported by all Quad partners, the panel recognized it as an exemplary model of effective partnership among global stakeholders. The CDRI's role in advocating for resilience and providing support to countries in accelerating economic growth while striving to achieve Sustainable Development Goals was underscored.
As the world grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, the collaborative efforts of Quad nations underscore the importance of international cooperation in building resilience and mitigating the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate. The event stands as a testament to the commitment of Quad countries to address the global climate crisis through innovative solutions and collaborative action.
By Manish Poswal
