The India Climate Observatory

Commentary, action and research on climate and development in India

Join a climate chat with the minister

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MyGov.in which is the citizen-centric platform that connects people with the Government of India is holding a MyGov Talk event with Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 26 October at 5 pm.

This is a part of the preparations the central government and the Ministry of Environment are making as the Conference of Parties (COP) 21 meeting draws nearer (30 November to 11 December). The MyGov Talk is intended to seek the views and suggestions of citizens on the proposals contained in the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) plan submitted to the UNFCCC by India.

With India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), the country is keen to attempt to work towards a low carbon emission pathway, while simultaneously endeavouring to meet all the developmental challenges that it faces today. The INDC aims at promoting clean energy, especially renewable energy, enhancement of energy efficiency, development of less carbon intensive and resilient urban centres, promotion of waste to wealth, safe, smart and sustainable green transportation network, abatement of pollution and India’s efforts to enhance carbon sink through creation of forest and tree cover.

Climate Change experts, senior journalists and social media influencers will join the online panel discussion with Javadekar.  Citizens are invited to share their ideas, questions and inputs on India’s role in COP 21 and on the following proposals laid down by Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC):

Sustainable Lifestyles
Cleaner Economic Development
Reduce Emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Increase the Share of Non-Fossil Fuel Based Electricity
Enhancing Carbon Sink (Forests)
Adaptation
Mobilising Finance
Technology Transfer and Capacity Building

Selected ideas and names would also be mentioned by the minister and other experts during the MyGov Talk. Also see ‘India spells out a climate action plan’.

Follow the highs and lows of monsoon 2015

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ICP_announce_20150422Our coverage of the ‘mausam’, the Indian summer monsoon of 2015, has begun. The unseasonal rains of March and April, which have proved so destructive to farmers, have shown why the conventional monsoon season must be widened. You will find all monsoon-related analysis, data and reports here.

We provide short, focused updates on weather trends. We strengthen the citizen’s understanding of the effects and impacts of climate change with relevant and jargon-free commentary.

We complement the Government of India’s excellent climate and weather monitoring services by advising what you can expect in your district or city, from unseasonal rains or the lack of it. Read our status reporting and analysis here on the India Climate Portal and follow our active twitter feed.

Call for Earth Care Awards 2015

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The Earth Care Awards are an effort to honour excellence in initiatives towards climate change mitigation and adaptation by industries, communities and individuals. The call for the 2015 awards is now open.

The activity is led by JSW and Times of India as the joint sponsors, with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) as the knowledge partner and TERRE Policy Center as the outreach partner. Initiated in year 2007 with India as key focus country, the award now reaches out to countries in SAARC region – Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh. More details on the award and the nomination process can be found here.

The award focuses on three important areas: GHG mitigation by large and small & medium industries, land use land use changes and water resources by community groups, NGOs and research and development institutions, and, innovation for climate protection by individuals or institutions. CEE as the knowledge partner assists the Earth Care Jury in evaluating the applications.

CEE_earth_care_awards_2015The challenges posed by climate change in the region needs to have response strategies suitable to the region climatic and socio-economic contexts. The present compilation of case studies puts forward responses emanating from ground level on mitigation and adaptation requirement to climate change.

This has been compiled through a process of application and field level due diligence. The awards process has been continually involved in exploring projects which reflect commitment and results integrating climate change considerations in their operations, development activities and innovations.

These case studies are aimed to bring out those who have put conscientious efforts to recognize and integrate climate concerns into their activities. The cases reflect how communities, industries and innovators are putting efforts and taking steps to minimize and adapt to climate change.

The case studies highlight activities related to building institutional mechanism, strengthening local bodies for managing common property resource and ecosystem functions, identifying and developing synergy and partnerships, plan for maximizing resource efficiency and translate management commitment and prioritizing local needs for technology innovations.