Approaches that root national climate strategies in local actions are essential for all countries as they move towards net zero pathways. India provides a global critical testing ground for essential questions on how subnational commitments can contribute to better outcomes for overall national climate strategies. The Centre devolves numerous authorities to sub-national actors creating opportunities for multi-level policy implementation and comprehensive climate action.
Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, through its grantee partner Vasudha Foundation supported the development of the district climate change action plans for six cities—Nagpur, Pune, Indore, Bhopal, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Each action plan has been prepared in consultation with the district administration with the aim to contribute towards India’s state and national plans.
Each plan is a comprehensive assessment of the climate variability and projections, sectoral GHG emissions and climate change drivers in the district. It also incorporates a comprehensive set of recommendations, in alignment with the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) for various climate related sectors and environmental challenges of each district, as well as the mitigation potential of each sector. As India move toward rebuilding its economy after COVID-19, the climate plans offer the opportunity to transition towards a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.
The Nagpur plan was presented to the Honourable Environment Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Aaditya Thackeray, and the Pune plan was launched by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The plans for Bhopal and Indore were launched at the SKMCCC-EPCO office, Bhopal (State Knowledge Management Centre on Climate Change-Environmental Planning and Coordination). The plans for Rajkot and Ahmedabad were released by the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel.