India’s National Adaptation Plan

India is actively developing its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address climate change challenges. This initiative aims to enhance community resilience against climate-induced hazards. The NAP is a pioneering national policy designed to integrate climate adaptation into existing policies and development strategies. It is being prepared through extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with the goal of finalisation by the end of 2025.

Purpose of the National Adaptation Plan

The NAP aims to reduce vulnerabilities across various sectors affected by climate change. It focuses on building adaptive capacities at a national level. The plan will facilitate the integration of climate adaptation into ongoing governmental policies and programmes. This holistic approach ensures that climate resilience is a priority in development planning.

Stakeholder Engagement

Multi-stakeholder consultations are essential for the NAP’s development. Recently, a workshop was held at the Integrated Centre for Adaptation to Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainability (ICARS) in Greater Noida. This workshop included senior officials from various ministries, disaster management experts, and researchers. Their collective insights will shape the NAP.

Key Sectors and Ministries

The NAP focuses on nine key sectors, each represented by specific ministries. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) leads disaster risk reduction efforts. ICARS serves as the anchor institute for the NAP’s development. Climate vulnerability studies are being conducted to identify priority regions and allocate resources effectively.

Integration of Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

Experts emphasise the need for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) with climate adaptation strategies. This integration must occur at all governance levels, from national to village. Nature-based solutions and ecosystem approaches are crucial for effective adaptation planning.

Global Context and Funding

The NAP aligns with global efforts established during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP). Developing countries, including India, are required to formulate and implement NAPs to access funding for resilience-building initiatives. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) plays role in supporting these efforts.

Current Status and Future Directions

As of late 2024, 60 countries have submitted their NAPs. India has already submitted its Adaptation Communication to the UNFCCC, detailing its greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate change. The country faces funding gap for adaptation efforts, needing approximately USD 73 trillion.

Challenges in Funding

The adaptation fund in India has not seen growth comparable to the mitigation fund. Over the past decade, while mitigation funding increased , adaptation funding has grown only marginally. This disparity marks the urgent need for scaling up investments in adaptation initiatives.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of multi-stakeholder consultations in formulating India’s National Adaptation Plan.
2. Discuss the significance of integrating disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies in governance.
3. What are the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing funding for climate adaptation? Critically discuss.
4. Analyse the impact of climate change on India’s agricultural sector and its implications for food security.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of multi-stakeholder consultations in formulating India’s National Adaptation Plan.

1. Multi-stakeholder consultations bring together diverse perspectives from government officials, experts, and organizations.
2. Workshops, like the one at ICARS, facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative planning.
3. Input from various sectors helps identify specific vulnerabilities and adaptive needs.
4. Consultations ensure that the NAP is comprehensive and inclusive, addressing regional and sectoral challenges.
5. This participatory approach encourages ownership and accountability among stakeholders for the NAP’s implementation.

2. Discuss the significance of integrating disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies in governance.

1. Integration ensures a holistic approach to managing climate risks at all governance levels.
2. It promotes efficiency by aligning resources and efforts towards common goals in resilience building.
3. Nature-based solutions can be effectively implemented when DRR and adaptation strategies are combined.
4. Such integration enhances community preparedness and response to climate-induced disasters.
5. It leads to sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

3. What are the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing funding for climate adaptation? Critically discuss.

1. Developing countries often lack the financial resources and infrastructure to implement adaptation projects.
2. Complex application processes for international funding can deter access to necessary financial support.
3. There is a disparity in funding growth between mitigation and adaptation initiatives, leading to inadequate resources.
4. Political instability and governance issues can hinder effective allocation and utilization of funds.
5. Limited data and research on climate vulnerabilities make it challenging to justify funding requests.

4. Analyse the impact of climate change on India’s agricultural sector and its implications for food security.

1. Climate change leads to erratic weather patterns, affecting crop yields and agricultural productivity.
2. Increased frequency of extreme weather events poses risks to farming practices and livelihoods.
3. Shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns affect the viability of traditional crops, threatening food diversity.
4. Food security is compromised as agricultural disruptions can lead to higher prices and reduced availability.
5. Adaptation measures in agriculture are crucial to ensure sustainable food production in a changing climate.