Question : ACTION PLAN ON CLIMATE CHANGE

(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the World Bank report `Turn down the Heat` 2013 on the potential impact of rising sea levels, very high temperature, river floods and more intense tropical cyclones;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;

(c) the action plan proposed to be taken by the Government under the various missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change to combat the challenges posed by climate change /global warming;

(d) whether the Government has sought financial and technological assistance from foreign countries/institutions; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, country and institution-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c) Government of India is aware of the World Bank report titled “Turn Down the Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts, and the Case for Resilience” published in June 2013, which projects that a scenario of 4oC rise in global temperature, would result in increased climate extreme events such as heat waves, sea level rise, more storm surges, droughts and flooding in the South Asian region including India. The coastal and deltaic regions of India are reported to be vulnerable to the risks of flooding. The Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra— are also vulnerable due to the melting of glaciers and loss of snow cover.

Recognising the challenges of Climate Change, the National Action Plan on Climate Change

(NAPCC) was released on June 30, 2008 that outlines eight National 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, envisaging actions to address the climate change issues. State Governments have also been requested to prepare the State Action Plan on Climate Change to address State specific issues.

(d) & (e) Government has submitted proposals for financial assistance to Global Environment Fund and Adaptation Fund under Kyoto Protocol, for implementation of mitigation and adaptation activities.