Charting The Climate Action: Addressing Climate Crisis In South Asia Through SDG 13 Advocacy

Prajwal Bhattarai

March 21, 2024

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South Asia, home to a diverse array of cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems, is facing a myriad of environmental challenges that are intricately linked to each other. South Asia stands at the forefront of the global battle against climate change, with its diverse landscapes making it particularly vulnerable to its impacts. From climate change to air pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation, the region is grappling with a complex web of interconnected issues that pose significant threats to human health, economic stability, and ecological integrity. Given the acute vulnerability of South Asia to climate change, urgent action is imperative to both reduce the region’s contribution to global warming and prepare for the inevitable consequences of more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and erratic rainfall patterns. In South Asia, each nation faces a myriad of climate change challenges that threaten their environment, economy, and societal well-being. Climate change poses a grave threat to all eight South Asian nations, exacerbating natural disasters, disrupting agriculture, and increasing the risk of water scarcity. Rising sea levels imperil low-lying coastal regions, while extreme weather events intensify, impacting millions across the region. Urgent collaborative action is imperative to mitigate its effects and safeguard the livelihoods and well-being of South Asia’s diverse populations. India contends with heatwaves, erratic monsoons, glacial melt, and coastal erosion, impacting agriculture and densely populated coastal regions. Pakistan grapples with water scarcity from melting glaciers, floods, droughts, and desertification, exacerbating health risks, especially in urban areas. Bangladesh confronts rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erosion of arable land, and salinity intrusion, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods. Sri Lanka experiences erratic rainfall, coastal erosion, landslides, and heat stress, posing risks to agriculture and urban centers. Nepal contends with glacial melt affecting water availability and hydropower generation, heightened risk of landslides and floods, changing precipitation patterns impacting agriculture, and vulnerability of mountain communities to climate-induced disasters. Bhutan faces threats to its glaciers and freshwater resources, increased frequency of flash floods and landslides, changes in precipitation patterns impacting agriculture and biodiversity, and risks to its hydropower-dependent economy. The Maldives grapples with sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and saltwater intrusion, threatening its islands and freshwater sources. Afghanistan contends with droughts exacerbating food insecurity and displacement, melting glaciers affecting water availability, increased frequency of flash floods and landslides, and heatwaves intensifying health risks and agricultural challenges. Collaboration and proactive measures are essential to address these shared climate change impacts across the region.

The region’s vast population, diverse ecosystems, and susceptibility to extreme weather events make it both a significant contributor to climate change and a frontline victim of its consequences. South Asia’s proactive measures in combating climate change not only benefit the region but also have far-reaching implications for global climate action. By transitioning to renewable energy, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience, South Asian countries contribute significantly to the collective effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build a sustainable future for generations to come. However, concerted efforts, reinforced policies, and enhanced regional cooperation are imperative to accelerate progress towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon future in South Asia and beyond. To address these challenges, global coordination mechanisms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement play a crucial role. The UNFCCC, in force since 1994, aims to prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. The Paris Agreement, which came into effect in 2016, seeks to limit global temperature rise and enhance countries’ capacity to adapt to climate change impacts. Under this agreement, countries commit to reducing emissions and strengthening their efforts over time through nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while also providing support to developing nations. Regular reporting on emissions and implementation efforts is a key component of the agreement’s transparency and accountability measures. Understanding the measures taken by South Asian nations, their global implications, and the strategies employed becomes imperative in the quest for effective climate action.

These measures are crucial not only due to the direct physical risks they pose but also because of their profound impact on critical issues such as food security, migration, and the sustainability of livelihoods in affected areas. From arid regions plagued by severe droughts to low-lying coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels, the region faces a myriad of challenges. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the need for both mitigation and adaptation measures becomes more urgent than ever. The Greater Himalayan Region, encompassing countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, northern India, and Nepal, is experiencing a surge in extreme weather events, leading to devastating consequences such as floods, landslides, and agricultural losses. Coastal areas in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are particularly at risk, facing threats of displacement, loss of land, and disruptions to key sectors like tourism and fisheries. Even with global cooperation on reducing emissions, climate change cannot be completely reversed. Therefore, countries must implement adaptation policies to safeguard their citizens and economies against its effects. Various adaptation strategies exist, including public education, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, biodiversity conservation, and risk management. The region’s extreme vulnerability to climate change has been starkly evident, with over 750 million people across eight countries affected by climate-related disasters in the last two decades, resulting in far-reaching and devastating consequences, such as severe drought in Afghanistan and the displacement of nearly five million people due to Cyclone Amphan in 2020. The adaptation measures in the south asian region should encompass nonstructural interventions, institutional reforms, fiscal and financial actions, and risk management strategies. It is crucial to develop a framework that evaluates the long-term impact of investment decisions on climate resilience. Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing challenges in South Asia, leading to a decrease in living standards and adversely affecting countries like Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. While certain regions, such as cold mountainous areas in Bhutan or Nepal, may experience increased productivity, overall agricultural output is likely to decline, alongside a rise in infectious diseases, which could reduce labor productivity. In India, for instance, the heightened risk of flash droughts could significantly impact food production, irrigation, and rural livelihoods. The recent report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has sounded a dire warning for South Asia. With projections of hotter weather, prolonged monsoon seasons, and heightened droughts, urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The recent report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has sounded a dire warning for South Asia. With projections of hotter weather, prolonged monsoon seasons, and heightened droughts, urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Projections suggest a decline in per capita income by 2050, with hotspots experiencing particularly severe economic losses. South Asia, home to some of the world’s most polluted cities like Delhi and Kathmandu, faces a multitude of environmental challenges exacerbated by the climate crisis. From air pollution choking urban centers to water pollution plaguing rivers and water bodies, the region is at the forefront of environmental degradation. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for regional cooperation and collective action to combat climate change and build resilience. Addressing climate change and environmental degradation in South Asia requires a multifaceted approach that integrates mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development strategies. The region, comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, faces a myriad of challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, exacerbating vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing adaptation measures are crucial steps towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience against extreme weather events. Moreover, promoting sustainable land use practices, conservation efforts, pollution control measures, and sustainable urban development are essential for preserving ecosystems, protecting public health, and fostering inclusive and equitable development in South Asia. Collaborative efforts and international cooperation are vital for mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective solutions to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and environmental degradation in South Asia. By leveraging innovative technologies, harnessing local knowledge, and engaging stakeholders at all levels, countries in the region can advance sustainable development goals while safeguarding natural resources and improving livelihoods for millions of people. However, political will, policy coherence, and financial commitments are essential to accelerate progress and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for South Asia in the face of mounting climate risks and environmental pressures.

The Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) on Climate Action provides a framework for raising awareness and implementing strategies to combat climate change. In South Asia, raising awareness about climate change and its impacts is crucial. Community-based initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs can empower individuals to take action. Adaptation strategies such as improving drainage systems, disaster risk management, and enhancing energy efficiency in buildings are essential for building climate resilience in urban areas. Strengthening the knowledge base through research and technological innovation is equally important for informed decision-making.Restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices are essential for ecosystem resilience. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving remaining wilderness areas, protecting water bodies, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Innovative approaches such as landscape-based conservation and ecosystem restoration can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The challenges posed by the climate crisis in South Asia are daunting, but not insurmountable. Regional cooperation, backed by national and international support, is critical for building climate resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By adopting collaborative strategies, investing in adaptation measures, and raising public awareness, South Asian countries can mitigate the impacts of climate change and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.

In summary, addressing climate change and environmental degradation in South Asia requires a multifaceted approach that integrates mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development strategies. The region, comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, faces a myriad of challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, exacerbating vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing adaptation measures are crucial steps towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience against extreme weather events. Moreover, promoting sustainable land use practices, conservation efforts, pollution control measures, and sustainable urban development are essential for preserving ecosystems, protecting public health, and fostering inclusive and equitable development in South Asia. Collaborative efforts and international cooperation are vital for mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective solutions to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and environmental degradation in South Asia. By leveraging innovative technologies, harnessing local knowledge, and engaging stakeholders at all levels, countries in the region can advance sustainable development goals while safeguarding natural resources and improving livelihoods for millions of people. However, political will, policy coherence, and financial commitments are essential to accelerate progress and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for South Asia in the face of mounting climate risks and environmental pressures.

About Authors (Prajwal Bhattarai & Ranjana Sedhain):

Prajwal Bhattarai, from Nepal, is a distinguished figure who has been actively involved in various domains such as youth activism, academic leadership, and SDG advocacy for more than ten years. He has played crucial roles in a variety of organizations, leading discussions on subjects like youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and social innovation, leaving a significant impact on his audience. Committed to offering innovative extracurricular activities utilizing technology to enhance learning experiences, he tirelessly creates opportunities for emerging leaders. Apart from his contributions to academic activism, he is fervently dedicated to empowering initiatives related to gender equality, quality education, and youth empowerment. Acknowledged for his skill in collaborating with diverse cohorts, including professionals, activists, policymakers and social entrepreneurs, he facilitates meaningful and positive transformations. Presently, Prajwal holds key leadership positions in numerous national and international entities, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency in project management methodologies, soft skills training, educational research, and management consultancy. Furthermore, he boasts an impressive array of national and international accolades and has secured prestigious world records.

Ranjana Sedhai, from Nepal, is a dedicated advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental consciousness. She is an agriculturist and a passionate advocate for youth engagement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), holding a degree in Agro-Entrepreneurship. Leading the supply chain efforts at Khetipati Organics, she empowers small farmers and local youths, fostering economic opportunities and stability. Her holistic approach integrates economic development with environmental and social considerations, making her a respected figure in the sustainable agriculture movement. Ranjana’s work exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable business practices in fostering community prosperity and a healthier planet.