December 2015 southasiadisasters.net 1

southasiadisasters.netDecember 2015 1

southasiadisasters.net December 20152

The negotiations at the 21stConference of Parties (COP21) in

Paris have yielded a historic agreementthat promises to shape not only theglobal strategy for cutting emissions,but also the way we live on this planet.

In bringing together competinginterests and disparate voices from thedeveloping and developed nations ofthe world, this agreement provides anunprecedented opportunity forpursuing the imperative of climatejustice through united and meaningfulaction. However, without concertedefforts to realize the vision of the ParisAgreement, this historic opportunitymight be squandered.

India has already won the admirationof the world by announcing itsambitious Intended Nationally

THEMATIC

COP21 Paris: Now What?

Determined Contributions (INDCs). Itis now time to take sincere steps toredeem this pledge. Substantiveactions in the following four areas canhelp India to meet its targeted INDCs.

The first area is private investment.Private investment must flow towardsthe items on COP21 agreementagenda. Some items-solar energy andgreen technologies-are obviouschoices for more direct privateinvestment, but there are other itemswhere private investment can beprofitable as well as bring aboutecological prosperity. A GIS basedINDC management system is one suchpossible area for private investmentwhere information technologyindustry investments can come in tolift the management of INDCs frompossible delay to real time and from

tedious paper records to a convenient"click away".

A newer role of the Association ofSouth East Asian Nations (ASEAN) inshaping what East Asia does toimplement COP21 agreement isimportant. Similarly, Indian privateinvestments can benefit not only fromIndia's market but also from theASEAN-wide market for INDCmanagement and implementation.

Regional power transmission isanother area where private sectorinvestment can play an active role inmaking COP21 implementationharmonious across the region. Solarand wind and other renewablepowers must be transmitted acrossSouth Asia for effective and timely useto fuel economic growth.

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The aforementioned initiatives will bemore effective with capital marketreform programmes that define andstrengthen the investments in greenand clean areas of the economy. As aregional network, the Climate ActionNetwork South Asia (CANSA)hasvociferously advocated the cause ofzero emissions. It can make sure thatabove investments create clean andgreen jobs for youth in countries likeIndia and Brazil.

The second area is publicaccountability. The most effective wayto ensure the accountability for theactions taken and the money spent—international or national—is to makecommunities central to COP21implementation in India.Communities can be made central tothe implementation of COP21 in thefollowing ways:• Evolution of suitable

administrative structures whichempower communities to observeand report emissions to theconcerned authorities.

• Leveraging on the work of Climateand Development KnowledgeNetwork (CDKN). CDKN haschampioned the cause of climatecompatible development in Indiathrough active communityengagement. Good practices andapproaches from CDKN's previouswork can be built upon to have ameaningful communityparticipation in the INDCimplementation process in India.

• Greater emphasis on the promotionof community based irrigation andforest rehabilitation systems.

• Facilitating greater rural urbanwater integration.

• Rethinking information andcommunication technologies forcompetitive INDC implementation.

• Promotion of climate compatibleurban planning, wherein, adequateurban infrastructure is developedfor climate sensitive urbansolutions such 'car free zones'.

The third area is learning andknowledge management. India hasalready taken many innovativeinitiatives across cities and villagesthat can easily be upscaled for theimplementation of the COP21agreement. One reason why this is nothappening more is that India is notlearning fast enough to make use ofthe results of these initiatives.Electricity grid strengthening is onesuch area. CDKN has done some workon this in Bihar with TARA andcKinetics. Far more can be drawn fromsuch experiences. Innovations likethese must be mainstreamed inknowledge and learning in highereducation.

Similarly, the power of good dataneeds to be leveraged. Good dataforms the cornerstone of goodknowledge systems. Robust povertyand social analyses based on gooddata can massively add to the existingknowledge and help in easilyachieving the ambitious targets ofIndia's INDCs.

The fourth area is cities. Transformingurban infrastructure for greener citieswas a recurring theme at COP21.Prakash Javadekar, India's minister

for Environment, Forests and ClimateChange, has clearly said before andafter COP21 that the way cities liveand function will have to change forthe benefit of all. This change may beslow or in phases, but it must beeffective. India hopes to pursue theimperative of greener and cleanercities with two of its flagship urbanrenewal programmes known asAMRUT and SMART Cities Mission.Adequate investment in greener andcleaner urban solutions will play a keyrole in the implementation of COP21agreement in India.

India is taking an active lead inchampioning the cause of urbanresilience in South Asia. This is criticalbecause not only is South Asiaextremely vulnerable to multiplehazards, the crumbling infrastructureof its cities greatly amplifies the riskof such hazards precipitating intodisasters. Climate change has addedanother dimension to the existingrisks by making South Asian citiesmore vulnerable to climate extremes.Therefore, disaster risk reduction(DRR) and climate change adaptation(CCA) have become increasinglyintertwined in the region. The ParisAgreement adds the required urgencyto engender a meaningful andeffective integration between DRRand CCA in South Asia. India can takethe lead to engender such anintegration in the region byadvocating the evolution of green andsustainable cities.

The aforementioned four areas foraction are indicative not exhaustive,as far more areas will emerge in thedue course of time. The COP 21 haspaved the way for a greener andsustainable future, the onus is now onIndia and the world to walk this path.After the Paris agreement, thequestion is 'Now what'? Action! seemsto be the resounding answer to thisquestion.

– Mihir R. Bhatt

In bringing togethercompeting interests anddisparate voices fromthe developing anddeveloped nations of theworld, the COP 21agreement provides anunprecedentedopportunity for pursuingthe imperative ofclimate justice throughunited and meaningfulaction.


President Hollande, Excellencies,

The pain of Paris is yet to heal. So, Ispeak in admiration for your resilienceand resolve. And, I salute the worldfor standing, in full strength, withFrance and Paris.

Over the next few days, we will decidethe fate of this planet. We do so whenthe consequences of the industrial agepowered by fossil fuel are evident,especially on the lives of the poor.

The prosperous still have a strongcarbon footprint. And, the world'sbillions at the bottom of thedevelopment ladder are seeking spaceto grow.

So, the choices are not easy. But, wehave awareness and technology. Wenow need national will and a genuineglobal partnership.

Democratic India must grow rapidlyto meet the aspirations of 1.25 billionpeople, 300 million of whom arewithout access to energy.

We are determined to do so, guidedby our ancient belief that people andplanet are inseparable; that humanwell being and Nature are indivisible.

So, we have set ambitious targets. By2030, we will reduce emissions by 33to 35% per cent of 2005 levels, andproduce 40 per cent of our power fromnon-fossil fuels.

We will achieve it by expandingrenewable energy - for, example, byadding 175 Gigawatts of renewablegeneration by 2022. We will enlargeour forest cover to absorb at least 2.5billion tonnes worth of carbon dioxide.

We are reducing dependence on fossilfuel through levies and reduction in

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Renewable Energy for Climate Justice

subsidies; switching sources of fuelwhere possible; and, transformingcities and public transportation.

We hope advanced nations willassume ambitious targets and pursuethem sincerely. It is not just a questionof historical responsibility. They alsohave the most room to make the cutsand make the strongest impact.

And, climate justice demands that,with the little carbon space we stillhave, developing countries shouldhave enough room to grow.

This also means aggressive mitigationaction by developed countries before2020, including ratification of 2ndCommitment period of KyotoProtocol, removing conditions andrevisiting targets.

The principles of equity and commonbut differentiated responsibilitiesmust remain the bedrock of ourcollective enterprise across all areas -mitigation, adaptation and means forimplementation. Anything else wouldbe morally wrong.

Equity means that nationalcommitments must be consistent withthe carbon space nations occupy.

We also need a strong Agreement onAdaptation and Loss and Damage.

Developed countries must fulfill theirresponsibility to make clean energyavailable, affordable and accessible toall in the developing world. This is inour collective interest.

So, we look to the developed countriesto mobilize 100 billion US Dollarsannually by 2020 for mitigation andadaptation in the developingcountries. They must fulfill theircommitment in a credible, transparentand meaningful manner.

Energy is a basic human need. So, weneed an ambitious technologyinitiative, driven by a public purpose,not just market incentives. This includesintellectual property. For this, we needto scale up Green Climate Fund.

We still need conventional energy. Weshould make it clean, not impose anend to its use. And, there should be

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the COP21 climate conference,Nov. 30, 2015. – Associated Press


H.E President Francois Hollande,H.E Secretary General Ban Ki-

moon, Excellencies, Ladies andGentlemen,

I am pleased to join leaders fromaround the world in this beautiful city.Paris has long been a symbol ofhuman endeavor and enterprise. Italso epitomizes human resilience inthe face of adversity.

We are meeting at a defining juncture;a crossroads that offers both a historicopportunity to act against the threatof Climate Change, and a strongglobal will to take that course. This isall the more important for countrieslike Pakistan, whose contribution toglobal warming is minimal, yet itremains one of the most vulnerable toits adverse effects.

Stemming the tide of climate changeis a global challenge that requirescollective action. Our responsibilities,however, are not evenly spread.

Flexibility and Foresight for Meaningful Action

States with deep carbon footprints andhistory of large emissions should takethe greatest responsibility inredressing the situation.

Pakistan believes that a comprehen-sive and meaningful climate changeagreement must be anchored aroundthe principle of 'Common butDifferentiated Responsibilities'.

The agreement should be cognizant ofthe needs of the developing countriesin pursuit of economic growth anddevelopment. It should also be holisticin scope and ambition, by taking abalanced view between mitigationand adaptation aspects. An effective'Loss & Damage' mechanism also needsto be incorporated into the Agreement.

Pakistan is committed to the cause ofreducing global emissions. Severalmitigation initiatives, includingpromotion of affordable renewabletechnologies, measures towardsenergy efficiency, implementation of

mass transport systems andexpansion of hydro-electricitypotential, are already part of ourdevelopment strategy.

For the effective implementation ofour national programs …. finance,technology transfer, and capacitybuilding remain key enablers.

As the main financial deliverymechanism of the agreement, theGreen Climate Fund (GCF) holds thepotential to provide a powerfulstimulus towards low-carbon andcarbon-resilient developmentsolutions. We would also need toensure transparency in supportprovided to the developing countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Pakistan remains committed to thedevelopment of a responsive globalclimate governance framework.

Having made major strides towardsthis goal, what is now required is theright mix of flexibility and foresightby all parties, to secure convergenceon all outstanding issues. In ourdeliberations today, we areencouraged by the positive affirmationof support to this objective.

Pakistan looks forward to workingclosely with our global partnerstowards an Agreement, which enjoysboth strong political ownership andbroad social acceptability. I thank you.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Nawaz Sharif,Prime Minister of Pakistan, at COP 21

Source: https://unfccc.int/meetings/paris_nov_2015/items/9331.php

no place for unilateral steps thatbecome economic barriers for others.

We welcome stocktaking that istransparent, covers both support andcommitments, and based ondifferentiation. Ultimately, forsuccess, moderating our lifestyle isnecessary, and possible, for a lowcarbon future.

Excellencies,

The presence of 196 countries tells usthat we have a chance to unite behinda common purpose.

We will succeed if we have thewisdom and courage to craft agenuinely collective partnership that

balances responsibilities and capabilitieswith aspirations and needs. I amconfident that we will.

Statement by H.E. Mr. NarendraModi, Prime Minister of India, at the 21st

Conference of the Parties to the UNFramework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC)Source: https://unfccc.int/meetings/

paris_nov_2015/items/9331.php


Mr. President, Excellencies,Ladies & Gentlemen,

We are gathered here today, in thisgreat city of Paris, which wasthreatened just weeks ago by senselessviolence unleashed on the innocent.

As I salute the people of this city fortheir resilience, I am heartened by theunity of purpose with which we meethere today. We meet in peace and withcompassion, to discuss and decide onways to secure our only commonhome, this fragile Planet that we callEarth, for our future generations.

The impact of Climate Changethreatens our very survival. In SriLanka, the adverse impacts arealready obvious.

Domestically, we have developed a'National Climate Change Policy' andprepared a 'National Climate ChangeAdaptation Strategy'. To implementthese strategies, Sri Lanka'srequirements could be approximatedat around 500 million US dollars. Wehope that there will be a commoncommitment to increase finance above100 billion US dollars as agreed inCopenhagen in 2009, includingthrough the Green Climate Fund, toespecially help vulnerable developingcountries prepare for climate impacts.

We have embarked on the challengingtask of moving away from fossil-fuel-based energy, towards renewableenergy.

We have already agreed to theproposed 2nd commitment period ofthe Kyoto Protocol. Our "IntendedNationally DeterminedContributions" (INDCs) have beensubmitted and we endorse the Manila-

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Climate Finance for Effective Adaptation

Paris Declaration of the ClimateVulnerable Forum.

It is our vision to emerge as a leaderin global eco-civilization by:• Protecting nature, by limiting the

use of natural resources to bewithin the sustainable ecologicalcapacity of the country;

• Respecting critical social andenvironmental limits whenstriving for economic prosperity;and

• Building the resilience ofvulnerable communities in thecountry by encouraging climatechange mitigation throughimplementation of adaptationmeasures.

Mr. President,

Reaching a new Climate ChangeAgreement in Paris is of utmostimportance to humankind.

The Paris Agreement, which would beapplicable to all,- should be in line with the UN

Convention on Climate Change,its principles and provisions;

- should not hinder sustainabledevelopment agenda ofdeveloping countries;

- should focus on buildingresilience and include strongaccountability and assessmentmeasures that are transparent;

- should enhance the provision offinancing, technologydevelopment, and transfer andcapacity building by developedcountries to developingcountries; and

- should to send a strong signal ofcommitment by the worldleaders, especially to businessesand financial markets.

We must seize this uniqueopportunity in Paris to create aturning point by recognising ouruniversal responsibility to protect andsafeguard our fragile planet for thebenefit of all.

Thank you. Statement by H.E. Mr. Maithripala

Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka, at COP21.

Source: https://unfccc.int/meetings/paris_nov_2015/items/9331.php


Commenting on COP 21, India’sMinister for Environment, Forest

and Climate Change, Mr. PrakashJavadekar said that the agreementcould have been more ambitious as theactions of developed nations are "farbelow" than their historicalresponsibilities and fair shares.

India on Saturday hailed as "historic"the adoption of a legally-binding pactseeking to limit global warming towell below 2 degrees Celsius but saidthe deal could have been moreambitious had the developed nationsshouldered more historicalresponsibilities.

Noting that the agreementacknowledges and recognises thedevelopment imperatives of India andother developing countries, Mr.Javadekar said the accord alsosupported their right to developmentand their efforts to harmonisedevelopment with environment,while protecting the interests of themost vulnerable.

"Today is a historic day. What we haveadopted is not only an agreement buta new 'chapter of hope' in the lives of7 billion people. Mahatma Gandhijiused to say that 'we have not inheritedearth from our ancestors, but we haveit on loan from future generations,"Javadekar said.

"This is historic because it was noteasy that all countries will agree to areasonable and ambitious deal. Thishas given a new hope, a new lease oflife," he said.

"We have today reassured our futuregeneration that we all together willmitigate the challenge posed by

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Historic, but Room for more Ambition

climate change and we will give thema better future," the Minister said atthe plenary session after theagreement was adopted, ending 13-days of tough negotiations.

Javadekar, however, also said theagreement could have been moreambitious as the actions of developednations are "far below" than theirhistorical responsibilities and fairshares.

"The actions of developed countriesare far below their historicalresponsibilities and fair shares. Wehave in the spirit of compromiseagreed on a number of phrases in theagreement," he said.

Javadekar said the conference alsowitnessed the launch of the historicInternational Solar Alliance under theleadership of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi which he termed as"path breaking" in providingunprecedented boost to solar energydevelopment.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, left, speaks with United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon prior to a bilateral meeting at the COP21, United NationsClimate Change Conference, in Le Bourget, north of Paris. (Source: AP)

He said that India was happy that theagreement has "unequivocally"acknowledged the imperative ofclimate justice, which reflects commonsentiment and has based itself on theprinciples of equity and common butdifferentiated responsibilities.

"The agreement also acknowledgesthe importance of sustainablelifestyles and sustainableconsumption patterns. We are alsohappy that the agreementdifferentiates between the actions ofdeveloped and developing countriesacross its elements," Javadekar said.

Noting that India has consistently saidthat the path to climate ambition mustbe paved with equity, he said that theaccord has recognised it.

"While give and take is normal innegotiations, we are of the opinionthat the agreement could have beenmore ambitious. We share the concernof several friends that this agreementdoes not put us on the path to prevent


temperature rise below 2 degrees,"Javadekar said.

India was engaged constructively andin good faith throughout the courseof the negotiations while it was also apart of several groupings ofdeveloping countries, includingBASIC, LMDCs and G-77 and Chinaand support their statements.

"For us, this agreement is yet anotherstep in a journey we have alreadystarted. I hope that Paris will mark thenew beginning, where commitmentsmade will be fulfilled," Javadekar said.

"It is India's hope that the ParisAgreement will fulfil the wishes ofMahatma Gandhi who said 'Weshould care for a world we will notsee'," he said while thanking as wellas congratulating French Presidencyfor its vision and patience.

Later, Javadekar told reporters that itis a historic day because it gives a newhope to the future generation that theworld will act collectively and givethem a better earth for their future.

"Today I hope that the commitmentsmade are fulfilled. This will be a newbeginning. Paris has succeeded. It wasunder terror attacks last month. This

month Paris has proved that the worldcomes together and that is the answerto mitigate the challenge posed byclimate change," Javadekar said.

Asked if compromises were done,Javadekar said the need was to be"accommodative" without changingthe thrust of the agreement.

"To achieve big things as there arelanguages and many issues, when 196countries are putting their effortstogether, you need to beaccommodative without changing thethrust of the agreement. We have doneeverything to maintain that thrust," hesaid.

It will be continuous work from heretill 2020 to have new mechanisms. Atthe same time, all nations are boundby INDCs and they will be reporting.

He said that there were no obligationsfor developing countries as theagreement has differentiatedtreatment which is logical.

"Paris is an absolute success. It is agreat victory for humanity. We havebeen successful to keep our nationalinterest alive, at the same time toarrive at a compromise, we

proactively engaged with the worldand ensured that on small differences,we worked together and now there isthis agreement," he said.

An official statement said that theParis Agreement for the first timebrings all nations into a commoncause based on their historic, currentand future responsibilities.

The universal agreement's main aimis to keep a global temperature risethis century well below 2 degreesCelsius and to drive efforts to limit thetemperature increase even further to1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

On the crucial financing issue,developed countries agreed to musterat least USD 100 billion a year from2020 to help developing nations.

To reach these ambitious andimportant goals, appropriate financialflows will be put in place, thus makingstronger action by developingcountries and the most vulnerablepossible, in line with their ownnational objectives.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/cop21-

historic-but-agreement-could-have-been-more-ambitious-says-javadekar/

The agreement has come after anintense two weeks of

negotiations and represents a lot ofcompromises made, particularly bydeveloping countries.

The much-awaited Paris Agreementon climate change was adopted by allmembers of the United NationsFramework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC) on Saturday. The

ANALYSIS

Sunita Narain Highlights the Hits and Missesof Paris Climate Deal

Agreement will now be open forratification by each member nationfrom April 2016 onwards. Somehighlights from the draft text:

Achievements for developing countries• To get the agreement under

United Nations FrameworkConvention on Climate Change(UNFCCC); and a specificmention of the fact that this

agreement will be guided byprinciples, including the principleof Common but DifferentiatedResponsibilities (CBDR) in thelight of national circumstances.

• The implementation of theAgreement will reflect equity andCBDR.

• Enhanced support will allow forenhanced level of ambition fordeveloping Parties.


• While developed countries takeabsolute economy-wide emissionreduction targets; developingcountries will enhance mitigationefforts but are encouraged tomove towards economy-widereduction in the light of nationalcircumstances.

• Climate justice has been noted asimportant for some concepts.

• Recognition of the need forsustainable lifestyles andsustainable patterns ofconsumption and productionwith developed countries Partiestaking the lead to address climatechange.

• There is differentiation in finance— developed country Parties arerequired to provide financialresources to assist developingcountry Parties for mitigation andadaptation.

• Global stocktake will be done inlight of equity and the bestavailable science.

Mitigation, review and reporting toget rid of 'differentiation'• There is no difference now

between Parties that are requiredto undertake and communicateambitious action; the efforts of allParties will represent aprogression over time.

• All Parties have to reportIntended Nationally DeterminedContributions or INDCs everyfive years.

• There is no differentiation inreporting, inventory ofgreenhouse gases and progressmade in implementation ofINDCs (only words of flexibilityprovided but not defined).

• There is no differentiation in themeasuring, reporting andverification (MRV) provision. It isuniversal and exists in the formof a technical expert review onreporting and progress. It onlysays that for all it will befacilitative, non-punitive andrespectful of nationalsovereignty.

• The stocktake is universal — foraggregate actions — and willhappen in 2023 and every fiveyears henceforth.

Finance• Developed countries shall

provide funds for mitigation andadaptation - but the floor of US$100 billion has been removedfrom the Agreement. It still existsin the decision.

• Other parties are encouraged toprovide such support voluntarily.

Loss and Damage• A mechanism is established but

the decision says this will notinvolve or provide basis forcompensation or liability.

Trading mechanism created• Market mechanism is established

and this is worse because now wehave legal commitment to reduceemissions (through INDCs) anda commitment to enhance actions.Now with trading mechanism,developed countries will beallowed to buy cheap emissionreduction options, which leavesthe developing countries witheven less options to reduce. So,we are taking on double work -we reduce to account for ourINDC and we reduce to meettheir obligations under theirINDC.

Ambition and carbon budgetThere will be ratcheting up withoutprinciple of fair use of carbon budgetestablished. As per the decisions:• In 2018, an Intergovernmental

Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)report on 1.5 degrees Celsius willbe done, which will clearlyestablish the need for moreambitious action.

• In 2018, a facilitative dialoguewill review collective.

• In 2020, there will be huge pressureon us to revise our INDCs.

• Then as the text says, by 2025,massive enhancement ofambition will be required - thisrecognises that the carbon budgetwill be exhausted.

• By 2025, no differentiation willexist as actions of developed anddeveloping countries will have tobe enhanced, given the need tokeep the world below 1.5 degreeCelsius.

• In 2020 and then again in 2025,all countries will be required torevise and update INDCs basedon this new science. By then, theglobal carbon budget would havebeen appropriated.

• Without a clear reference to thecarbon budget, the actions toprogressively enhance ambitionwill fall on all countries and couldshift the burden to developingcountries.

(Source: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/paris-climate-deal-hits-and-misses-52132)


The Paris agreement frames futureeconomic development pathways

for the least developed and mostclimate vulnerable countries as anelement of the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs). Critically,it will increase the flow of additionalpublic and private finance forvulnerable countries for both lowcarbon and climate resilientinvestments. Ambition, including thepathway towards a possible 1.5degree limit and five-yearly reviews,will be played out through thenational climate plans (the INDCs).

Implementation will need to beginimmediately and ramp up. Theagreement in Paris is encouraging butif ambition does not continue toincrease in future years, then theachievement of a 1.5 or even a 2 degreetarget — and many of the SDGs — willbe in danger. Reflections on theopportunity and challenges ahead aregiven below by CDKN's global,regional and country team leads.

– Sam Bickersteth, CDKN's ChiefExecutive, introduces commentary on

the Paris Agreement from CDKN'steams around the world.

***

"The Paris Agreement has delivereda universal and ambitious plan to haltdangerous climate change. This is anhistoric moment for the world and alife line to those climate-vulnerablecountries and small island states onthe front line of climate change.However, it is now up to us all to grabthis life line and deliver the actionneeded to meet the challenging targetof limiting warming to 1.5oC andprovide the international supportclimate-vulnerable countries need toprotect themselves against the impacts

OPINION

CDKN on Paris Agreement

we have already locked in. ThePresidency's skilful handling anddiplomacy has not only ensured a dealwas delivered but also that all voices- especially those of the poorest andmost vulnerable that are often not soloud - were heard. Merci, Paris."

– KiranSura, CDKN's Head ofNegotiations Support

***

"The Paris Agreement is a much-needed shot in the arm for everyonewho has been working to championclimate issues, ever since thedisappointments of Copenhagen.From exhausted negotiators topassionate civil society activists, therelief coming out of Paris is palpable.The hugging and whooping in theConference Hall spoke volumes forthe emotional response of manyaround the world who have put theircombined shoulders to this huge andheavy wheel, which at times has felthopelessly mired in disagreementsand wrangling. The wheel is finallymoving, and the elation that so manyof us feel is testament to the passionand commitment that hasunderpinned all the hard work up tonow. There is a great deal more workto be done, starting today. But let'scelebrate this moment of jubilation inParis, and cherish the inspiration itprovides us for the long road ahead."

– Geoff Barnard, CDKN's SeniorKnowledge Management Advisor

***

"Congratulations to the governmentswho rose above their differences inParis and responded to climateexperts' warnings about the dangersof a 2 degree world. They haverecognised that radical action on

climate change is needed to achievethe Sustainable Development Goalsand protect the lives and prospects ofthe world's poorest people.

Reining in dangerous levels ofwarming calls for astonishing reservesof human ingenuity - but this effortdoes not happen in a void. CDKN isamong the many alliances that havealready been trying and testingapproaches to climate compatibledevelopment for several years:approaches to curbing emissionswhile achieving greater climateresilience and human development.CDKN doesn't have all the answers,but we are committed to sharing bestpractices as well as beautiful failures;we do this in our new book'Mainstreaming Climate CompatibleDevelopment', which summarises thefirst five years of CDKN's experience.We hope others will join us in thisspirit of expanding and strengtheningknowledge networks, to empowereveryone for the opportunities andchallenges ahead."– Mairi Dupar, CDKN's Global Public

Affairs Coordinator

***

"The Paris Agreement is both a bigstep forward and a frustratingshortcoming. Its success will dependon the implementation of voluntaryINDC targets. For African countriesimplementation will require morerefined strategies and innovativefinance. Realising low (avoidedfuture) emission developmentstrategies will be a priority across thecontinent, and the sooner the better.Countries with heavy fossil-fuel usewill need to grapple with theimplications for their economies. Theincreased climate finance pledges, and


particularly adaptation aid, is avictory but will fall short of the need.The financial implications of the lossand damage clause are still to bedetermined, and Africa willparticipate keenly in that process."

– Carl Wesselink, CDKN's RegionalDirector for Africa

***

"The new global climate agreementadopted in Paris represents importantprogress towards addressing theclimate change that is currentlythreatening human survival on thisplanet. For the least developedcountries that are highly vulnerable,the Paris Agreement brings hope foraccessing climate finance to invest inadaptation that will build climateresilient economies, communities andecosystems. In particular, theestablishment of a technical andknowledge platform under theNairobi work programme on impacts,vulnerability and adaptation toclimate change is crucial for capacitybuilding. By supporting country-owned and country-driven adaptationactions, the implementation of theAgreement will contribute to povertyreduction, which is crucial to buildingclimate resilience and ensuringsustainable development. It is time tobuild on this momentum to work forthe achievement of the globalSustainable Development Goals."

– Revocatus Twinomuhangi,CDKN's Senior Strategic Advisor for

Uganda

***

"For the Latin American andCaribbean Region, the ParisAgreement rises above the differentviews of sub-regional groups towardsa common objective for a low carbonand resilient future. We celebrate thishistoric moment and acknowledge thetrust our governmental leaders haveput in an organised and cooperativeinternational context that will

facilitate climate finance to our region.We are proud of the three Latinofigureheads who paved the roadtowards the Paris Agreement: thePeruvian Minister of Environment,Manuel Pulgar Vidal, responsible forthe 20th COP Presidency and whoworked for achieving consensusamong Parties. The Argentinian PopeFrancisco with the presentation of theencyclical "Laudato Si" on climate andenvironment and by directly talkingwith Presidents and mayors for theirsupport to achieve an Agreement; andfinally, Christina Figueres from CostaRica, as Executive Director of theUNFCCC, who orchestrated all thesupport needed for negotiations tohappen."– Connie Espinosa, CDKN's RegionalDirector for Latin America and theCaribbean

***

"After the excitement of the signatureof the Paris agreement, Ban Ki Moonstated that "we shall all stay unitedand bring the same spirit to the crucialtest of implementation". The Parisagreement sets for the first time a longterm goal for every country that hascommitted to achieve its INDC. In thecase of Latin America and theCaribbean, our overall emissionsaccount for 11% of the world'semissions, mostly related todeforestation and land use changefollowed by energy includingtransport. In this emerging region, ina business as usual (BAU) scenario,the trend is to shift to a more carbon-intensive economy that looks similarto the current developed economies.However, the challenge is to grow anddecarbonise our economies at thesame time. In this context, the LACregion has great challenges such aspreserving the Amazon, the world'sbiggest forest and managing land usechange and agriculture in a moreclimate compatible manner. In termsof energy, 92% of the region isinterconnected (OLADE, 2010).

However, a large effort is needed totransition from oil and coal-dependent economies and achieveenergy efficiency as well as leapfrogto alternative energies. In terms oftransport, the region still lacksinfrastructure and has the opportunityto develop resilient and efficienttransport options. And finally, thereis a need to involve the industrialsector in not only lowering theiremissions but helping in the overallchallenge of adaptation. Countries inthe LAC region will need to rethinktheir long term vision of change,uniting forces in order to emerge withclimate compatible economies."

– Claudia Martinez, CDKN's SeniorStrategic Advisor for Colombia

***

"At the heart of Paris Agreement is theprocess and mechanism to increasethe ambition as part of periodicreviews. The nations will meet everyfive years to revise their nationalaction plans or what is generallyknown as the INDC. CDKN can havea genuine pride in having catalysedand fostered the INDC process inmany, many ways - ranging fromhelping some countries develop theirdistinct contributions by adaptingunique methodologies and internalprocesses, by supporting research andinvestments in methodologies, bydeveloping toolkits for leastdeveloped countries and bysupporting their participation in awide range of capacity building andtraining exercises. CDKN has alsogalvanised support for INDCimplementation, which we hope willserve as an important building blockfor the implementation of the historicParis Agreement."

– Ali Sheikh, CDKN's RegionalDirector for Asia

***

"Adoption of the Paris Agreement isa historic landmark achievement of


the global community. ThisAgreement created an opportunity tolimit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels bytaking into account of the objective ofthe Convention, and being guided byits principles, including the principleof equity and Common ButDifferentiated Responsibility (CBDR)and Respective Capabilities (RC), inthe light of different nationalcircumstances. Inclusion of humanrights and climate justice in theAgreement shall provide scope forstronger argument for demandingclimate action for vulnerable.However, the non-punitive nature ofcompliance measure may be a seriouslimiting factor for implementation ofthe Agreement."

– Munjurul Khan, CDKN's SeniorStrategic Advisor for Bangladesh

***

"The Paris Agreement sets a target forfinancial commitments fromdeveloped countries, but it is importantto remember that what is needed forthe required transformational changeare trillions, not billions. The floor of$100 billion per annum should be usedas a catalyst to accelerate the shift ofall resource flows towards climatecompatible options. Meeting thiscommitment is doable, fossil fuelsubsidies alone amount tosignificantly more and carbonpollution can and should be priced.Instead of only tracking flows fromdeveloped to developing countries,we should focus on ensuring theeffectiveness of the committed funds,and support developing countries inthat endeavour."– Ari Huhtala, CDKN's Deputy CEO

and Climate Finance Lead

***

"The Paris Agreement resonates withCDKN's strong partnership work todate, and the task ahead to continueforging knowledge networks at thesubnational, country, regional, andglobal levels. Partnerships will beneeded at all these levels to create thedisruptive change required forenhanced pre-2020 action bydeveloping country Parties. Muchwork needs to be done to innovate,share lessons learned, and supportcapacity development, beforereviewing and ratcheting up ambitionin the next five years. The road aheadis long, and I look forward tocontinuing with colleagues andpartners, old and new, on thisjourney."– Jebi Rahman, CDKN's Partnerships

and Networks Programme Manager

***

Every year, millions of people are forcibly displaced by floods, tropical storms,earthquakes, droughts, glacial melting, and other natural hazards. Many

find refuge within their own country but some have to move abroad. In thecontext of climate change, such displacement is likely to increase. National andinternational responses to this challenge are insufficient, and protection foraffected people remains inadequate.

Launched in October 2012 by the Governments of Norway and Switzerland,the Nansen Initiative is a state-led, bottom-up consultative process intended tobuild consensus on the development of an Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change.

To feed the process with good practices and build a knowledge base, the NansenInitiative has held inter-governmental Regional Consultations and civil societymeetings in the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe to explore theprotection and assistance needs of people displaced across borders in the contextof disasters and the effects of climate change.

This booklet presents the main lessons learned and conclusions reached overthe course of this three-year consultative process.

Source: https://www.nanseninitiative.org/staff-member/fleeing-floods-earthquakes-droughts-and-rising-sea-levels-12-lessons-learned-about-protecting-people-displaced-by-disasters-and-the-effects-of-climate-change/

LESSONS LEARNED

Fleeing Floods, Earthquakes, Droughts and Rising Sea Levels

Source: http://cdkn.org/2015/12/opinion-response-from-cdkns-global-regional-and-country-leads-to-paris-agreement/?loclang=en_gb


Making substantial reductions ingreenhouse gas emissions has

ceased to be simply an imperative andhas become a moral obligation for usall, not only for the sake of futuregenerations but also for those on theground who are already suffering thefirst consequences of climate change.We are committed to this goal andadvocated strongly in favour of it atthe recently concluded World ClimateConference.

The Paris Agreement will be the firstessential step towards reducing theseemissions as well as protecting thesepopulations. It will need to beimplemented through actions, withimmediate effect, in order to meet theimmense challenge that we arealready facing, namely to address theimpacts of climate change. Disasterrisk reduction measures urgentlyneed to be implemented, as per therecommendations of the SendaiFramework for Disaster RiskReduction adopted in Japan in Marchthis year, if we are to successfullyaddress the negative effects of climatechange.

The drought that hit the United States,provoking numerous fires all acrossCalifornia, the heatwave that killedover 2,500 people in India andhundreds more in Pakistan withtemperatures approaching 50 degrees,and the cyclones that devastated theCaribbean this autumn, areunfortunately just a preview of whatinevitably lies ahead.

Not to mention other less predictablebut no less alarming phenomena,which go to make up what certainexperts are now calling "the new

OPINION

A Climate Agreement for a Resilient World

normal", such as the recent torrentialrainfall in France which flooded anumber of towns in the Riviera in amatter of hours, killing more than 20residents; or in Japan, whereabnormally heavy rainfall compelledover 100,000 people to abandon theirhouses; or indeed in the Philippines,when Typhoon Haiyan causednothing short of a tsunami, withwaves over five metres high.

From now on, all disaster riskmanagement policies must take dueaccount of these new phenomena,including the known effects of El Niñoand the rather less well-understoodeffects of the accelerated melting of theAntarctic ice cap.

Since the tsunami in the Indian Oceanthat killed 230,000 people, manycountries have now equippedthemselves with multi-hazard earlywarning systems and are now betterprepared for climate change. Theimplementation of early warningsystems is one hazard reduction

measure that has proven its worth andwhich has contributed considerably toreducing the death toll associated withclimate-related disasters in a numberof countries over the last 10 years. Thelarge-scale deployment of suchsystems is one of the seven targets ofthe Sendai Framework for DisasterRisk Reduction.

But there is inequality here too: manycommunities, including those in thefront line when it comes to risingwater or the violence of hurricanes,are not yet to be equipped witheffective warning systems that will beable to protect them.

The French early warning systemsinitiative CREWS which wasannounced 01 December in Paris.Supported by the United NationsOffice for Disaster Risk Reduction, theWorld Meteorological Organizationand the World Bank, will give smalldeveloping island states and leastdeveloped countries priorityassistance in building their capacity to

(Source: http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=11100917275660a2e22c0b5390257c)


improve their warning systems andreduce their vulnerability to climatichazards.

The CREWS initiative was launchedby the French Foreign AffairsMinister, Mr Laurent Fabius, at thethird international Conference onrisk reduction and was endorsed bythe G7 nations; it will help hundredsof communities under threat toprotect themselves better .

Early warning systems are not theonly instruments available to reducethe risks of climate-related disastersand we are far from helpless in theface of increasing climate-relatedphenomena; we know what needsto be done and we have solutionsto mitigate their effects. Land-useplanning, investment in durableinfrastructure, ecosystem protectionand poverty reduction policies allpotentially serve to reduce theimpact of climate change.

We now have enough knowledge,know-how and expertise not onlyto manage climatic effects to asignificant degree but also to avoidcreating new risks in the long term.And this is surely no accident: 6 ofthe 17 new sustainable developmentgoals relate directly to theimplementation of risk reductionpolicies.

Paris is one necessary step, but notthe only one and we would like ourchildren to be able to live in a moreresilient and sustainable world oftomorrow.

We need more political will, greatercommitment from the private sectorand increased global awarenessfrom the whole of civil society, inorder to achieve that which is stillpossible, namely bettermanagement of the avoidable.

– Margareta Wahlström,UNISDR

Children are already paying aheavy price for the world's

inaction on climate change, Unicefsaid.

"The future of today's children,particularly the most disadvantaged, isat stake," said Unicef ExecutiveDirector Anthony Lake, speaking at anevent at the 21st United Nations climatechange conference in Paris, known asCOP21. "Sadly, we are failing them.Because today's children aredisproportionately bearing the brunt ofthe effects of our changing climate.They are paying for our failure withtheir health and safety. With theirfutures. And too often, with their lives."

A Unicef report 'Unless we act now —The impact of climate change onchildren' points out that climatechange brings more droughts, floods,heatwaves and other severe weatherconditions, which contribute to theincreased spread of major killers ofchildren such as malnutrition, malariaand diarrhoea. The report also showsthat over half a billion children live inareas where floods are extremelyfrequent, and thus are highly exposedto climate change. Many of thosechildren are in countries with highlevels of poverty.

OPINION

Unicef Seeks AmbitiousAction On Climate Change

"We can no longer allow our collectiveinaction on climate change toperpetuate a vicious cycle thatcondemns the most disadvantagedchildren to lives with little hope, at themercy of disasters beyond theircontrol," Lake said.

In addition to cutting emissions, stepsneed to be taken to reduce inequitiesamong children, Lake said, citing theneed for investments in health andother essential services and in basicinfrastructure that can withstandclimate-related disasters.

"The path the world chooses here inParis will indelibly mark humanity'sfuture," Lake said. "History will judgeus. And most importantly, our childrenwill — and should — judge us for ourstewardship of the planet they willinherit."

Lake spoke at an event jointly hostedwith the Organisation for EconomicCo-operation and Development(OECD), which featured discussionsamongst civil society and young peopleabout ways to reduce the impact ofclimate risks on the most vulnerablechildren.

Source: http://blueandgreentomorrow.com/2015/12/10/cop21-unicef-calls-for-

ambitious-action-on-climate-change/

Today’s children, and theirchildren, are the ones

who will live with theconsequences of climatechange. This report looks

at how children, andparticularly the most

vulnerable, are affectedand what concrete steps

need to be taken toprotect them.for more: http://

www.unicef.org/publications/index_86337.html


Calling for Ahmedabad to lead theway among 100 smart cities to

rush towards Zero Emission, ZeroPoverty Living, Self EmployedWomen’s Association (SEWA)founder Ela Bhatt said this will beGujarat’s offering to India and India’soffering to the world.

Bhatt has returned after attending anengaging and fruitful COP21 in Paris,which she termed as special. “We as aworld were coming together to shapenot only a reduction in emission ofcarbon from the use of fuel, but to me,the way we live in coming centuries.”

Amdavadis must move to find waysto implement the agreement, she said,adding, “Over 400 cities have settargets that could cut city emission tohalf. I see that Ahmedabad as a cityhas enough young and thinkingcitizens to be the first city to startimplementation of the agreement atcity level.”

The Gandhian was invited by UnitedNations Development Programme(UNDP) to put forth the views she hasprovided in her book, ANUBANDH:Building 100Mile Communities’(publisher Navjivan Press).

From her work with SEWA sistersover decades, one or two principlesthat helped them live better wasrecently published in this short book.“The ideas in the book were mosttimely and suitable to look ahead,” shesaid. UNDP wished to share thisIndian view worldwide andGovernment of India offered thepavilion in Paris to do so.

OPINION

Let’s Lead in Zero EmissionEla Bhatt who returned from COP21 in Paris calls for young and thinking Amdavadis tomake city the first in implementing the agreement

The response to her two ideas drawingfrom Indian reality was positive andaction oriented. “What I said was theidea of mutuality or Anubandhmeaning that we are not alone in thisworld. We are bound to each other.What I do impacts you. What you doimpacts me. Whatever we do impactsour community and world.”

In the context of emissions, “I and youmust all, reduce emissions, and findways to live so as we nourish life ofeach other. Reducing emission is both,individual and collective decision.”

The second idea was about Building100Mile Communities that are local,sustainable and in harmony with thenatural environment. “Six of the basicneeds of daily life — food, clothing,housing, health, education, and banking— can largely be met locally, within 100miles,” she said. This they havewitnessed from their work at SEWA.

“The individuals and institutions inCOP21 started discussing diverse,

innovative solutions to reducing thedistance to above six needs and thisreadiness to take action wasoverwhelming,” she said.

About the historic agreement in Paris,Elaben hopes and believes that asindividuals and as nations, all of uscan do far more than what is in theagreement.

India has offered leadership todeveloping countries on not whatcannot be done, but leadership forwhat can be done. This is a hugeresponsibility, she believes. Two itemsin India’s contribution that attractedher attention are widespread use of‘solar power’ and ‘climate justice’.“More we use solar power, less wemove towards crisis caused bychanging climate. And more is doneby those who have knowingly orunknowingly caused emission toreduce emission we move towardsclimate justice,” she said.

Published in Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau,Ahmedabad City, December 15, 2015,

‘‘More we usesolar power,less we movetowards crisiscaused bychangingclimate’’


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Climate Compatible Development: Synergieswith the SDGsA triumvirate of complementary

agreementsFor developing countries, 2015 is ahistoric year. UN countries havechosen to renew three crucial agendaswithin a 12 month period: DisasterRisk Reduction at Sendai, Japan inMarch 2015; the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) whichwere ratified in September in NewYork; and of course the recentlyconcluded climate summit in Paris inDecember. In addition, the Financingfor Development conference in AddisAbaba in July brought parties togetherto discuss the financing of globaldevelopment.

The climate and sustainabledevelopment agendas are stronglyintertwined. Poverty cannot betackled without tackling climatechange — a fact increasingly obviousas natural disasters become morefrequent and severe, with the poorestcountries also the most vulnerable toclimate impacts. Meanwhile, climatechange cannot be tackled withoutdevelopment gains — interim criseswill always take precedence unless thetwo are tackled together. Zero povertyand zero emissions needs to be the endgoal, and the path to achieving bothis climate compatible development.

Within the 17 SustainableDevelopment Goals, climate change isa cross–cutting theme, as well as astand alone goal (Goal 13). CDKN hasanalysed the text of the goals andtargets with a RAG (red-amber-green)rating to identify where strong andweak climate references occur (seetable–Goal–on next page).

How the sustainable developmentagenda is specifically reflected in theParis climate agreement remains to beseen, however phrases on key

principles such as human rights, andthe right to development are likely tobe present in some way.

Transformational agendasBoth the SDGs and the Parisagreement herald the beginning of anew era. The SDGs are a universalagenda, which is for all countries(developed and developing); a shiftaway from the MillenniumDevelopment Goals which werefocussed on developing countriesalone.

Similarly, the new Paris agreementlooks to bring action from allcountries, moving on from the KyotoProtocol which only calls for climatecommitments from developedcountries. To an extent, lines areblurring between the two 'annexes' ofthe UNFCCC, althoughdifferentiation remains a key principleof the climate regime. Developingcountries such as Kenya and Ethiopiahave put forward ambitious IntendedNationally Determined Contributions(voluntary pledges on mitigation andother climate action proposed bycountries in the run up to Paris),showing climate leadership despitecurrently being very low emitters.

India's INDC is also substantial, witha recent report by Oxfam showing thatits INDC indicates a level of ambitionhigher than its 'Fair Share'. Thisdemonstrates the increasing role thatMiddle Income Countries are lookingto play in meeting the climatechallenge while also developingsustainably.

CDKN aims to help decision-makers in developing countriesdesign and deliver climatecompatible development. CDKN ismanaged by an alliance oforganisations: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), FundaciónFuturoLatinoamericano, LEADInternational, LEAD Pakistan, theOverseas Development Institute,and South South North.

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Diagnosis of the patient at OPD. Beherampura UHC (South Zone, Ahmedabad).


Finance — the elephant in the roomThe issue of finance has long been asticking point in discussions both onclimate and sustainable development.Estimates suggest that for developingcountries alone, it will cost $3-4 trillionannually to implement the SDGagenda by 2030. Meanwhiledeveloped countries have pledged tocontribute $100 bn per year by 2020for developing countries to mitigateand adapt to climate change.

In theory these two agendas shouldnot compete, as climate finance isintended to be additional, i.e. on topof existing development aid flows.The Addis Ababa Financing forDevelopment Conference in Julycreated an agenda which spells out thepotential role of the public and privatesector in mobilising sufficientresources for the SDGs and climateaction. However, without clearaccounting and transparency, it iscurrently ambiguous how thesecommitments will be met fully.

Climate and development in IndiaAs a fast growing global economywhich also faces significantdevelopment challenges, India ispositioned to play a key role in theclimate agenda in coming decades.India aims to grow as fast over thenext 20 years as China has in the pastdecade, however it is dealing withincreasing climate vulnerability fromshocks such as monsoon disruption,heatwaves and sea level rise, as well aspublic health problems from pollution.

Happily, there are signs that the twoagendas of economic growth andclimate resilience can be achievedtogether. A recent Economist articledescribes how many of India's goalswithin its ambitious growth agendaalso align with strong climate action.Decentralised renewables are often acost effective way to tackle energysecurity while increasing access toelectricity, as some of CDKN's workin rural electrification in India asshown. Meanwhile as economic

growth continues the trend ofurbanisation, dealing with urbanheatwaves will become a key healthand economic priority. InAhmedabad, CKDN's programme tointroduce a heat action plancontributed to a staggering reductionin the death toll from heatwavesbetween 2010 and 2015.

CDKN advocates a development-firstapproach to INDCs, such as thatcontained within India's contribution,which for example integrated disasterrisk reduction into the climateadaptation element of the INDC.

India is certain to undergo vasttransformations in the next twentyyears, and one defining factor in thefuture welfare of its people, and itswider global environmental impact,will be the extent to which thecountry's leaders embrace sustainableand economic development as goinghand in hand with strong climateaction.

– Christopher Webb, Deputy CEO,and Helen Picot, CDKN

Goal [ no content (red color), some content (amber color), substantial content (green color)]1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life–long learning opportunities for all5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent

work for all9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation10. Reduce inequality within and among countries11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat

desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and

build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.


NEW PERSPECTIVE

Pressing the Wrong Climate Button

India's Intended NationallyDetermined Contribution (INDC)

submitted to the UN for the period2021 to 2030, announced on October2, 2015, promises to reduce theemissions intensity of its GDP by 33to 35 percent by 2030, from 2005 level.This is half of what China has declared(60-65%) and a few notches higherthan the target set by the USA (26-28%). As both China and the USAhave higher per capita as well as totalgreenhouse emissions, India's INDCshould be rated higher, andachievable too.

At 2.44 tons per capita, India iscurrently placed at the bottom on thelist of leading emitters, and even withan expected per capita emissionpegged at 8.98 tons in 2030 it willcontinue to remain lower than theaverage for the developed countries.In addition to emission reductiontargets, India intends to achieve 40%cumulative electric power installedcapacity from renewable sourcesalongside creating an additionalcarbon dioxide sink of 2.5-3 billiontones through additional tree cover by2030.

India made the world sit up and takenotice at the COP 21 in Paris.However, what might have promptedIndia to set such ambitious targetswhen, under the United NationsFramework Convention on ClimateChange, it has no binding ongreenhouse gases mitigationcommitments in recognition of itssmall contribution to the greenhouseproblem as well as low financial andtechnical capacities? Is it a reflectionof the country's commitment towardsa global good or a strategic move to

lay claim on a large share of the globaladaptation funds?

If emission data is anything to go by,India may not be part of the climatechange problem but wants to be partof the solution nonetheless. And for itto deliver on its promisedcommitments, the country wouldneed no less than US$ 2.5 trillion overthe next decade or so. The switch toenergy mix comes for a price, and thetop polluters owe ecological debt tolow emitting countries. AchievingINDC goals is contingent upon meansof implementation (funds) to beprovided by developed countries,including technology transfer andcapacity building.

It could be easily speculated thatclimate–aid will contribute to 'Makein India' work. For India's contributionto the greater global good this is but asmall price to keep emissions from agrowing economy under check. Thequestion is what 'good' climate–aidmay have in store for the teemingmillions – 363 million of whom arepoor and as many as 1.77 million ofthem homeless, and 334 millionwithout access to safe water and some800 millions bereft of adequatesanitation services.

Embedded within the emission targetsis a developmental script that aims toreduce the infrastructure deficit,aimed at pulling the low–carbonsocieties out from their currentabysmal levels of energyconsumption. The pressure ofurbanization and industrializationwill push energy demand three timesfrom the present 774 TWh, by 2030.Some 40% of the projected 2,500 TWh

of energy demand in 2030 will besourced from renewable sources,presumably using benign solar, windand biomass technologies.

Good intentions may not translate intoreality though. With coal continuingto find favor as the dominant sourceof energy followed by hydro andnuclear power, the green energy willhardly get the push it deserves.Thermal power contribution to theinstalled capacity is unlikely to changefrom the present 60%, energycontribution from hydro power isprojected to double and nuclear powersome six times from the presentinstalled capacities. Ironically, India'sINDC shows both hydro and nuclearpower as environmentally benign.

The trouble with INDC is that it isfocused entirely on 'emissions', thesocial and environmental issues are atbest on the periphery. That thermal,hydro and nuclear projects are thecause for environmental destruction,deforestation and large–scaledisplacement doesn't get counted inthe emission targets. The premise of'coal cess' and 'compensatory aforestation' offer trade–off; firstsacrifice environmental concerns fordevelopment projects, and then investfunds thus generated in creatingcarbon sinks.

In a quest to source foreign investmentand technologies for keeping thedevelopmental engine oiled andrunning, environment regulationsoften get compromised and publicopposition quelled. Indications to thateffect are evident. Under the currentglobal economic system, thecommoditization and monetization of


DRR AND CCA

Integrating of Disaster Risk Reduction and ClimateChange Adaptation in Myanmar — a Community–based Perspective from the Ayeyarwaddy Delta

Myanmar is prone to a numberof natural hazards, with most

of them, such as floods, cyclones andsea–level rise, being climate-related.According to the Global Climate RiskIndex 2015, the country ranks secondin terms of losses to weather-relatedevents in the period between 1994 and20131. When the country'sAyeyarwaddy delta was hit bytropical cyclone Nargis in 2008, peopleand government were ill-prepared todeal with the strongest cyclone in thecountry's records and more than140,000 people lost their lives in thefloods and ravaging winds.

Since then, many efforts have beenmade by communities, local andinternational organizations, as well asgovernment institutions to addressdisaster risks through preparednessand risk mitigation. CaritasSwitzerland is present in theAyeyarwaddy–Delta since 2008 andtogether with local partners hasimplemented rehabilitation,reconstruction and DRR projects inalmost 50 villages.

People in the delta are facingnumerous climate–related shocks andstresses that can impact livelihoodsand income, food security and waterresources and jeopardizedevelopment gains of previous years.The inhabitants of Kwin Pauk village,located in the lowlands of the delta,already feel the impacts of a changingclimate. Irregular weather patternsduring the rainy season lead to croplosses and the dry–up of the

community water pond, the mainsource for domestic water in thevillage. The frequency of floods hasincreased and the waters threatenstorage places for food. They alsoaffect the sanitary situation in thevillage, as many latrines are not yetelevated and when flooded, riskcontaminating the village. Therefore,integrating climate change adaptationinto DRR–interventions in theAyeyarwaddy–delta and beyond is a

1 Kreft, S. et al. (2014): Global Climate Risk Index 2015. Who suffers most from extreme weather events? Weather related loss events in2013 and 1994 to 2013. Germanwatch publications. Available https://germanwatch.org/de/download/10333.pdf (accessed 25 October2015).

nature not only interferes with climateand allied ecosystems but alsodeprives resource dependentcommunities of their rights. Besidesthis also attracts private and publiccorporations to control naturalresources. No wonder, thegovernment has already expressed itsinterest in privatizing forests in thecountry.

The foregoing conclusion is that in itscurrent form, India's INDC seems tohave comprised and grossly ignoredthe low–carbon lifestyle of its sizeablepopulation. It has missed anopportunity of taking an ethicalleadership by submitting a non-market, climate finance mechanismneeded to support the formalization

and expansion of mitigation, andtechnology transfer as a genuinesolution to combat free trade in carbonalongside promoting andincentivizing carbon–friendly culture.This has created an episteme thatblindly bulldozes technical andmarket solutions as ‘real' solutions.

– Sudhirendar Sharma,Director, The Ecological Foundation,

New Delhi


key prerequisite for strengtheningresilience.

At the village level, this meansbuilding a sound knowledge baseabout climate risks today and in thefuture. Climate scenarios need to beadjusted to local level and be includedin risk assessments that are conductedat the beginning of each project.

Caritas Switzerland, supported byCAFOD, and partnering with the localorganization KMSS, takes anintegrated approach, linking DRRwith livelihood and water &sanitation components and in turnlinks it to climate change adaptation.

In order to strengthen resilience, or theability to bounce back after a disasterstrikes, a community emergency fundhas been setup to which eachhousehold contributes a minimum of200 Kyat (0.15 USD) per month andwhich is administered by the localDRM-committee. This fund canalleviate the financial losses that areincurred after floods or cyclones. Inorder to increase climate resilience,alternative and additional short termcrops are discussed with farmers inorder to accommodate changes inweather patterns and to diversify theirlivelihoods. Further, with the supportof the project team, villagers couldsuccessfully advocate for irrigation

Caritas Switzerland is a humanitarian and development organization andworks in over 40 countries towards poverty reduction, social inclusionand resilience building. In Myanmar, it is present with an office since2008 and works in the fields of humanitarian aid, disaster risk reductionand food security and rural development. Caritas Switzerland is a memberof the international Caritas network, which consists of 165 organizationsin more than 200 countries.

channel rehabilitation with thegovernment thus improving access towater for food production.

The next phase of the project will seean even stronger focus on climatechange adaptation and climate–smartagriculture. To be successful andachieve long–lasting impacts,additional governmental stakeholderssuch as the Department forMeteorology and Hydrology and theMinistry for EnvironmentalConservation and Forestry need to bebrought on board in order to ensurethe needed technical expertise and togo beyond community–level.Notwithstanding the scale of theapproach, the most important thing isthat it is led by the people themselvesin order to generate sustainableimpacts: "We have to work forourselves" confirms one member ofthe DRR–committee in Kwin Pauk,"only then can we bring change intoour village and face climate change".

– Jana Junghardt,DRR Advisor, Caritas Switzerland


A Training of Trainers (ToT) on'Mainstreaming Disaster Risk

Reduction and Climate ChangeAdaptation' was organized from 28th- 30th September 2015 at Puri by theOdisha State Disaster ManagementAuthority (OSDMA) in associationwith All India Disaster MitigationInstitute (AIDMI) under GoI-UNDPproject "Institutional and CommunityResilience to Disasters and ClimateChange" for the Government officialsand practitioners from different partsof the state. The three-day trainingwith different tools and activeinteraction stressed upon movingfrom disaster response andmanagement to risk reduction andadaptation to climate change byplayers from various sectors.

The three day programme ended withcommitment of addressing changingclimate and disaster risks at the locallevel by 33 professionals fromgovernment and humanitarianagencies from various districts ofOdisha on September 30, 2015. Thegroup was privy to enrichingexperiences from different sectorsincluding water resources,agriculture, disaster management,education, rural and urbandevelopment, children and gender.

EVENT NOTE

Resilient Odisha: AddressingChanging Climate and Disaster Risksat the Local Level

The ambitious training programmecovered a range of topics andapproaches such as risk transfer, lossand damage due to climate change,climate smart disaster riskmanagement, agriculture and waterresources practices, and masseducation. The integration of DRR andCCA aspects with developmentschemes was tested to explore theneed, challenges and possible solutionfor sustainable development.

Field practices and cases from Odishawere shared and discussed by thegroup to learn from existing DRR andCCA integration in developmentpractices. Strong capacities and robustinstitutions at the community levelcan maximize the impacts of climate-smart disaster risk reduction. Yet forthis to happen, it is essential thatinstitutions supporting vulnerablepopulations know how to integratechanging risks into their activities.

The engagement of multiplestakeholders along with theexperience of communities reveals thechallenges and opportunities forusing the knowledge of changingclimate risks. The key points emergingfrom the mainstreaming exerciseconducted by the groups included:

considering seasonal forecast inadjusting work plans and strategies;the enabling factors formainstreaming; how can departmentsmake use of dialogue opportunities toraise awareness of local adaptationneeds; what measures ofimplementation can be taken . Thegroups were composed ofadministrators, sector experts,researchers and developmentpractitioners.

Mainstreaming is strongly promotedtowards a harmonized paradigmwherein climate change adaptationand climate risk management are seenas part of broader risk managementstrategies, principles, strategic goalsand priorities for action to achievesustainable development goals.

The Mainstreaming of DRR and CCAprocess is emerging and but there isstill a long way to go which requirespiloting and researching new ideas atvarious levels and sectors. Odisha isamong the few states in India whichhave initiated such a process. Dr.Kamal Lochan Mishra, Chief GeneralManager, OSDMA is a key forcebehind shaping this programme.

– Seema Mohanty,State Project Officer- UNDP

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RISK REDUCTION

Synergized Standard Operating Procedures forHazardous Weather EventsStandard Operating Procedures

(SOPs) are vital for an effectiveearly warning system (EWS) forhazardous weather situations. Theyare necessary because they (1) aredeveloped, coordinated, tested andapproved before an emergencyoccurs; (2) document the most efficientand effective ways to perform anoperation; and (3) producepredictable, reproducible resultswhile maintaining quality andconsistency.

Most countries have SOPs for severeweather events, but many times theseare developed for a single type ofhazard and a single agency. Thesesingle hazard/single agency SOPssometimes fail because theirinfrequent use produces mistakesand/or insufficient coordination withother agencies and different levels ofgovernment creates confusion on rolesand responsibilities.

To address SOPs inadequacies, theUnited Nations Economic and SocialCommission for Asia and the Pacific(ESCAP)/World MeteorologicalOrganization (WMO) TyphoonCommittee (TC), with 14 Membersmostly from southeast Asia, and theWMO/ESCAP Panel on TropicalCyclones (PTC), with 8 Membersmostly from the Bay of Bengal area,recognized there was a strong need tocreate SOP synergies among differenttypes of weather hazards and amongdifferent agencies. With fundingprovided by ESCAP, these twoagencies identified and completed aproject titled "Synergized StandardOperating Procedures (SSOPs) for

Coastal Multi–Hazards EWS." For thisproject synergy was defined as thecooperative, collaborationdevelopment and implementation ofSSOPs in a multi-hazard/multi-agency environment to create an EWSin which the whole is greater than thesum of the individual parts.

First, the project was to identifyspecific strengths, gaps, and needs torecognize areas which could besynergized. These were collectedthrough workshops to exchangeinformation among the 13 beneficiaryTC and PTC countries, pilot missionsto 3 countries, and informationcollection missions to 6 additionalcountries. These data then served as abasis for the first draft of the Manualon SSOPs for Coastal Multi–HazardsEarly Warning System which wasdistributed for comments.

After incorporating receivedcomments, a second draft of theManual was used during missions to6 countries to provide hands–ontraining and technical assistance onthe creation of multi–hazards/multi–agencies SSOPs. The Manual was wellreceived but the countries identifieda need for a summary document of thebasic methods for development andimplementation of SSOPs. To meetthis need, a Quick Reference Guide(QRG) was created to serve as asupplement to the Manual. The QRGwould be an operational document toquickly and easily start the SSOPprocess with the Manual providingdetailed, reference material tosignificantly enhance the SSOPprocess once it is started. It was

recommended that everyone shouldbe engaged in the EWS review theentire Manual to promote communityresilience.

Many important items were identifiedduring the project. These include:1. To develop a multi-hazards EWS,

a country should conduct asystematic analysis of similaritiesand differences of weatherhazards;

2. Although significant differencescan exist (which must be clearlyunderstood by all agencies,media, and general public), thecore elements of an EWS forweather hazards can be similar.Similarities which could beincorporated into multi–hazards/multi-agencies SSOPsmay exist in:a. Expected inundation areas

and monitoring inundationregions for tropical cyclonesand tsunamis;

b. Dissemination systems andprocesses;

c. Coordination processesamong agencies andorganizations at the samelevels of government andalso vertically from nationalto local communities; and

d. A common number or colorscale to indicate potentialrisks/impacts for stages orphases of different hazards toimprove communicationsand understanding.

– James Weyman,Former Project Manager and

Olavo Rasquinho,Former Typhoon Committee Secretary

The Manual, QRF, and other project related documents can be found at http://www.typhooncommittee.org/SSOP/indexSSOP.html.


Chandrasekhar Harichandan, a65-year-old farmer, lives in

Kotakana, one of the flood pronevillages where Catholic Relief Services(CRS) is implementing a community–based disaster preparedness (CBDP)project funded by the C&AFoundation. Harichandan owns twoacres of land and has ten members inhis family. His land is located in thelow lying areas of the village, so itbecomes waterlogged during therainy season for 1.5 to 2 months. Suchprolonged duration of waterloggingdoes not allow him to grow riceduring the rainy season. The familydepends on winter crops andmigration to meet their food needs,but this is not adequate for his familyof ten.

In 2014, Harichandan was selected asa beneficiary by the CBDP project toparticipate in the demonstration ofJalamani, a deep water rice variety forthe rainy season. Since it was a newvariety, Harichandan wasapprehensive of trying it. However,after training and coaching by theproject extension workers, he plantedJalamani on a trial basis on 0.25 acresof his land. CRS provided him withseeds and a series of trainings onimproved farming practices suitablefor this variety. Harichandan followedall the recommended farmingpractices with the mentoring from theproject extension workers.

In addition to the project promotedJalamani variety, Harichandan alsoplanted Bankoi (a local paddy variety)

in an adjacent plot. Floods occurredthat season, and both plots becamewaterlogged for more than a month.True to its varietal characteristics,Jalamani grew in length along withthe rise in water level, while Bankoiremain stunted. After harvesting,Harichandan shared that the yieldfrom Jalamani was about 150% morethan Bankoi. Additionally, his strawyield was high, which helpedHarichandan meet his animal fodderrequirements. This has allowed himto grow crop in rainy season whichhe was not able to undertake due toprolonged water logging. In additionto having more rice for his family toconsume, Harichandan decided to sellpart of the produce (170 kg) as seedsto other farmers in the village (as saleof seeds result in nearly 75% moreincome than grains). Apart from theincome gain, he is happy that otherfarmers in the village can also benefit

Funded by the C&A Foundation, the three year (2012-15) community–baseddisaster preparedness (CBDP) project in Puri district is being supported by CRSIndia in 112 flood–prone villages across 16 Gram Panchayats in two administrativeblocks, Nimapada and Kanas which are among the mostflood-affected areas.Recurrent floods cause extensive losses for the communities by damaging standingcrops, shelter and livestock. Poor households endure extreme challenges to recovertheir losses caused by floods. The objectives of the project are to build communityresilience to reduce losses from floods and to facilitate faster recovery from flood–induced losses. Key interventions of the project include: development and executionof Community–led Disaster Preparedness Plans; promotion of disaster resilientshelter technologies for flood and low intensity cyclones; promotion of flood resilientpaddy varieties suitable for waterlogging and submergence ecosystem; promotionof improved livestock management practices pre and post monsoon to reduce floodinduced losses and promotion of innovative techniques like bag/sack and floatinggarden in flood prone areas to have continued access to home grown vegetablesafter floods.

CASE STUDY

Disaster Risk Reduction and ClimateChange Adaptation: CRS Case of FloodResilience from OdishaA new variety of rice crop helps families meet their needs

from this flood resilient variety assuch varieties are not available in themarket.

Confident from the results last year,Harichandan has planted the Jalamanivariety on all two acres of his land inthis year. Many farmers in the villageare visiting his farm and interactingwith him to learn more about theJalamani variety and about theimproved farming practices that theproject helped him adopt. When askedabout his experience, Harichandanproudly shared that "Jalamani hasgiven new hope to farmers in ourvillage. Now we will be able to takeup both rainy and winter season cropsin a year which will increase ourincome and we will have more foodfor our families."

– Rajashree Purohit,Program Officer - Livelihood and DRR,Catholic Relief Services, Bhubaneswar

Editorial Advisors:Anshuman SaikiaRegional Programme Support CoordinatorARO, IUCN (International Union for Conservation ofNature), Thailand

Denis NkalaRegional Coordinator, South-South Cooperation and CountrySupport (Asia-Pacific), United Nations DevelopmentProgramme, New York

Ian DavisVisiting Professor in Disaster Risk Management inCopenhagen, Lund, Kyoto and Oxford Brookes UniversitiesMadhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu

Sub-Regional Coordinator, Central Asia & SouthCaucasus, United Nations Office for Disaster RiskReduction (UNISDR), Kazakhstan

Mihir R. BhattAll India Disaster Mitigation Institute, India

Dr. Satchit Balsari, MD, MPHThe University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell,New York, USA

T. Nanda KumarChairman, National Dairy Development Board(NDDB), Anand, Gujarat, India

ALL INDIA DISASTER MITIGATION INSTITUTE411 Sakar Five, Behind Old Natraj Cinema, Near Mithakhali Railway Crossing, Ashram Road,Ahmedabad–380 009 India. Tele/Fax: +91-79-2658 2962E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.aidmi.org, www.southasiadisasters.net

AIDMI is delighted to receive generous support of UNICEF (India) towards this issue.

WAY AHEAD

COP21: Resources for New Climate AgreementIndia INDC StatementThe ambitious INDCs of India have won it the admiration ofthe world. The crux of India's INDC submission to UNFCCCis based on a greener and cleaner path to economic prosperity.These INDCs have the potential of putting India steadily onthe path of sustainable development.

Read more at: http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/India/1/

INDIA%20INDC%20TO%20UNFCCC.pdf

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC)The Conference of Parties 21(COP21) is historic because itbrought together competing interests and disparate voicesof different nations to a consensus on an agreement that willshape climate action and justice in future. This agreementfocuses extensively on Intentional Nationally DeterminedContributions (INDCs) and Climate Financing.Read more at: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/cop21/eng/l09r01.pdf

Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA)India's ambitious INDCs may seem to be at odds with theeconomic prosperity which the country aims to achieve.However, protecting the fruits of economic development fromthe risks posed by a 2OC warmer world is also important.Through the new Climate Agreement, these two seeminglyconflicting goals can be reconciled.

Read more at: http://cansouthasia.net/reports_information.php?id=21&title=india-s-triple-challenge-growth-

development-and-climate-change#sthash.2oZCuWfJ.dpbs

Aditi Kapoor, Development Alternatives

The imperative of climate justice cannot ignorethe needs and aspirations of women. Theimplementation of the Paris agreement willdepend upon the promotion of gender equalityand women's rights. This in turn would require'Gender Just Climate Solutions'. Aditi Kapoor ofAlternative Futures argues highlights theimportance of such gender sensitive approachesfor climate action.

Read more at: http://cdkn.org/2015/12/feature-gender-and-climate-change-the-india-pavilion-at-

cop21-highlights-what-needs-to-be-done/