Question : IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

(a) whether the Government has received any suggestions regarding Climate Change from World Trade Organisation;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereon;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any scientific study on impact of global warming on climate change;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the steps taken by the Government to reduce the impact of climate change in the country during the last five years; and

(f) the details of funds allocated and expenditure incurred during the last five years?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) and (b) No suggestions have been received from World Trade Organisation. However, the ongoing negotiations on Trade and Environment under the Doha Round contain elements that are relevant for climate change policies and initiatives. Government is considering the issues relating to Trade and Environment while negotiating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

(c) and (d) Government has undertaken a scientific study in 2010 whose findings are published in a report titled “Climate Change and India: A 4X4 Assessment - A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s”. The report assesses impacts of climate change on four key sectors of Indian economy, namely Agriculture, Water, Natural Ecosystems & Biodiversity and Health in four climate sensitive regions of India, namely the Himalayan region, the Western Ghats, the Coastal Area and the North-East Region. The Study projects a mixed picture of implications for climate parameters and related impacts on the sectors identified. An overall warming for all the regions is projected.

(e) and (f) The Government has released National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on June 30, 2008 that identifies measures that promote India’s development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively. NAPCC outlines eight Missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge for climate change. State Governments have also been requested to prepare the State Action Plan on Climate Change to address State specific issues.

Allocation of funds for the Missions is a part of the overall Plan outlays provided to the respective nodal Ministries during the Eleventh and Twelfth Five Year Plan.