Catalyst initiatives
The Global Stocktake synthesis report released by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ahead of COP 28 paints a worrisome picture of the world's progress towards Paris Agreement targets. While there is a limited window of time to course correct, the report echoes previous warnings that global efforts are falling short. There is need for transformative changes by governments, businesses and civil society across sectors at a pace that is much faster than recent trends to limit global warming.
While countries have initiated the process by submitting their nationally determined contributions, the success of climate action hinges on the actions taken at subnational levels, encompassing states, districts, cities and villages. Countries such as India are paving the way for climate action at the subnational and local levels.
For instance, Bihar has become one of the first Indian states to prepare a net-zero strategy that aligns with India’s 2070 target – a feat highlighted at the India Pavilion of COP 27 at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Bihar has already positioned itself as a pioneer state committed to building a sustainable future and is poised to make a significant contribution to the national climate agenda. It has promoted noteworthy initiatives, such as didi ki nursery – local women-managed nurseries that are empowering rural women and leading to enhanced sources of income. J-WIRES, a women’s collective involved in producing energy-efficient products through decentralised renewable energy is another initiative by Bihar that not only strengthens climate action in the state but also improves livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities.
Tamil Nadu is another state leading subnational climate efforts through a dedicated district-level Climate Change Mission. The mission aims to develop grass-root initiatives to address climate-related challenges at the local level and is empowering local communities to lead adaptation and mitigation. Moreover, the state has set up the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC), which is its first ever special purpose vehicle entrusted to resolve the climate crisis in the state.
Its novelty lies in its formation and legal structure, which provides flexibility to collaborate and build partnerships with other institutions to drive climate action in the state. Furthermore, the district-level climate fellows’ program has also created robust institutional arrangements for improving participative governance. Tamil Nadu's approach serves as a model for regions worldwide, emphasising the power of local action in building resilience.
In the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is swiftly embracing clean energy initiatives. Recently, the state’s chief minister declared Sanchi as India’s first solar city. The city serves as a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to renewable energy adoption, demonstrating how urban centres can transition towards sustainability. Sanchi has constructed dedicated solar parks to meet its agricultural and urban electricity needs.
Additionally, it has installed vertical axis wind turbines and plans to have piezo-electric floors to generate electricity from footfalls in tourist sites. It has conducted energy audits of all government buildings and replaced conventional energy equipment by energy-efficient alternatives. This macro-scale adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures will enable the state to decarbonise its grid-mix and reduce its energy intensity. Additionally, it will also pave the way for a cleaner, greener future in alignment with India's ambitious target of achieving 50 per cent non-fossil energy by 2030. This also aligns with the G20 goal of tripling 2030 RE targets, which may get endorsed at COP 28.
Adapting energy systems, transportation networks, buildings, public spaces and landscapes to accommodate solar technologies is a complex task in Indian cities. Widespread adoption of rooftop solar PV in cities may be affected by high density residential areas, shared and rented apartments with poor access to rooftops, and regulatory development norms. This working model of Sanchi demonstrates how Indian cities can leapfrog towards a carbon-neutral future.
Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, is developing an action plan for over 58,000 gram panchayats to enhance localised climate actions in the state. The plan aims to mainstream and integrate climate change adaptation and resilience in the local planning process through Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). To support this, a capacity-building package is being rolled out through a network of 17 regional-level and 31 district-level rural development institutions.
India's megacities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru have made significant strides towards achieving future net-zero status through comprehensive planning. Recognising the urgency of addressing climate change for the environment and the well-being of people, these cities have enacted impactful measures. Initiatives, such as green building programs, public transportation enhancements and carbon offset projects underscore Mumbai and Bengaluru’s aim to become carbon-neutral, while enhancing the resilience of their people and infrastructure.
Bengaluru’s climate action plan, for instance, will help the city adapt and improve its resilience against climate-induced hazards. Furthermore, it will outline clear actions across sectors, such as stationary energy and buildings, transportation, solid waste management, air quality, water, urban planning, greening and biodiversity. This framework is crucial for developing a robust governance mechanism to strengthen stakeholder collaboration as well as implement, monitor and evaluate suggested actions.
The cities of Burhanpur and Indore in Madhya Pradesh have implemented projects aimed at enhancing the water resilience of the cities to future climate stress by restoring and conserving traditional water storage structures. These projects facilitate the diversification of water supply sources for the cities. Consequently, they decrease dependence on scarce groundwater resources, while also reducing emissions and curbing costs linked to the extraction of water from distant surface water sources.
The need for enhanced mobilisation of finances and efficient use of existing resources is widely recognised as an essential enabler for driving climate actions. Odisha has become the first state in India to introduce a climate budget, where the state’s annual budget tracks and enhances budgetary allocation specifically for climate-relevant activities. This integration of a climate perspective into the state’s fiscal planning serves as a model for other states to adopt climate-budget tagging. Bihar has also been developing its green budget on similar lines, further exemplifying the growing trend towards integrating climate considerations into fiscal policies across states.
Indore is capitalising on innovative mechanisms to finance its climate actions. The city is generating an annual loyalty of almost $0.3 million from the 550 tonnes per day bio-methanation plant, operated through a public-private partnership. Furthermore, Indore has earned over $1 million in revenue from carbon credits and raised $86.5 million in green bonds to build the largest solar plant in the city for pumping and supplying water from Narmada.
The strides made by various Indian states and cities in addressing climate change highlight the transformative power of subnational climate action. Through collaborative efforts involving businesses, governmental bodies and civil society organisations, these initiatives exemplify the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing climate solutions. Such localised endeavours serve as compelling models, not only motivating national counterparts but also encouraging global partners to unite in the fight against climate change.
At COP 28, India can proudly showcase the community-driven climate solutions in its states and cities. These initiatives are catalysts for a worldwide movement, engaging every state, city and individual in constructing a more resilient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious society. Through innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritising sustainability, these actions can pave the way towards a more sustainable future for all.
(Views expressed are personal)