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CONTENTS Introduction Weather & Climate Climate Change Evidences of Climate Change Causes of Climate Change Effects of Climate Change Climate Change in J&K Climate Change & Forests Climate Change & Agriculture Climate Change & Water Climate Change & Tourism State Action Plan on CC COP-21 Footprints & Handprints FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Climate change is a major challenge facing our planet today. This is an all-encompassing threat that will pose significant environmental, economic, social and political challenges for years and decades to come. It is scientifically least predictable, and its impacts are likely to affect adversely the vulnerable and poor people mostly, who have contributed least to the major causes of Climate Change. The Government, NonGovernmental Organizations, Environmentalists, Conservationists and Donors around the globe are focusing on this issue. Since the industrial revolution, the mean surface temperature of the Earth has increased and temperatures are likely to rise more, with serious impacts on biodiversity composition, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, water regime, food security and livelihoods. In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, which nestles in the fragile Himalayan Ecosystem; there are alarming fluctuations in climate, natural as well as human induced, due to large scale deforestation, vehicular pollution, urbanization in the state leading to the warming trends. The water stress, habitat loss, leading to change in insect population dynamics, proliferation of unwanted weeds, owing to climate change are new challenges for the state. Climate change poses a serious threat to the species diversity, habitats, forests, wildlife, fisheries and the water resources in the region. The stake-holders need to deliberate on the role that natural ecosystems, forests, wetlands play in increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability of the communities to the climate change. Capacities of the communities have to be enhanced and strategies to be developed for adaptation to climate change. Documentation of traditional knowledge of local ethnic groups, climate variability data and strategies proposed in JKSAPCC need to be made available to the implementing agencies. Om Prakash Sharma, IFS Director DEE&RS, J&K
ENVIS Newsletter
October – December, 2015
CLIMATE CHANGE & CONCERNS OF J&K J&K ENVIS Centre Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Jammu & Kashmir
INTRODUCTION With the largest snow and ice cover in the world outside the Polar Regions, the Himalayan region is one of the most important mountain systems in the world and is referred to as the “Third Pole” and the “Water Tower of Asia.” Extending along the northern fringe of the Indian subcontinent, from the bend of the Indus River in the northwest to the Brahmaputra River in the east, the Himalayas directly or indirectly affect lives and livelihood of over 300 million people. Through their massive fresh ice reserve, the Himalayas influence flow to thousands of rivers and rivulets that converge into the three main river systems in the region: the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus. The state of J&K also forms a part of this complex Himalayan mountain system and is located in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent and sharing international border with Pakistan, Tibet and China and has the most strategic location among the states in the country. It falls in the great north-western complex of the Himalayan Ranges with marked relief variation, snow-capped summits, antecedent drainage, and complex geological structure.
Paddy fields of Kashmir
The mountains of Jammu and Kashmir play a key role on supporting economy, which depend heavily on the water towers for hydropower, water supply, agriculture, horticulture and tourism. The State of J&K also holds significant importance in terms of biological (species) richness, biodiversity, socio-cultural diversity, and ecological-wealth. Most of the region’s indigenous people consider the mountains sacred and look upon them with reverence. In essence, the mountains of J&K are both pride and necessity of the region. Irrespective of the ethereal beauty, majesty and grandeur, the ecosystem of the state is considered the most fragile on the earth. The lives and livelihood of the state are heavily dependent on the natural resources and climatic conditions. Climate change concerns in the State are multifaceted encompassing floods, droughts, landslides, human health, biodiversity, endangered species, agriculture livelihood, and food security.
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WEATHER AND CLIMATE? Weather is the short-term changes we see in temperature, clouds, precipitation, humidity and wind in a region or a city. Weather can vary greatly from one day to the next, or even within the same day. In the morning the weather may be cloudy and cool. But by afternoon it may be sunny and warm. The climate of a region or city is its weather averaged over many years. This is usually different for different seasons. For example, a region or city may tend to be warm and humid during summer. But it may tend to be cold and snowy during winter. The climate of a city, region or the entire planet changes very slowly. These changes take place on the scale of tens, hundreds and thousands of years.
CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that occur over several decades or longer. Global warming refers to the recent and ongoing rise in global average temperature near Earth's surface. It is caused mostly by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming is causing climate patterns to change. However, global warming itself represents only one aspect of climate change.
Climate Change Concerns of J&K – Deliberations at Jammu University
EVIDENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change: How do we know? SEA LEVEL RISE Global sea level rose about 17 cm (6.7 inches) in the last century. The rate in the last decade, however, is nearly double that of the last century. Oceans have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished and sea level has risen. From 1901 to 2010, the global average sea level rose by 19 cm as oceans expanded due to warming and ice melted. The Arctic’s sea ice extent has shrunk in every successive decade since 1979, with 1.07 million km² of ice loss every decade
“Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” (IPCC)
This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. GLOBAL TEMPERATURE RISE All three major global surface temperature reconstructions show that Earth has warmed since 1880. Most of the warming has occurred since the 1970,s with the 20 warmest years having occurred since 1981 and with all the 10 warmest years occurring in the past 12 years. From 1880 to 2012, average global temperature increased by 0.85°C. ERRATIC PRECIPITATION There is an increased variance of precipitation everywhere. The wet areas become wetter, and dry and arid areas become more so. Increased precipitation in high latitudes (Northern Hemisphere), reductions in precipitation in China, Australia and the Small Island States in the Pacific and increased variance in equatorial regions. EXTREME EVENTS The frequency and number of extreme events globally and locally has been increasing. High temperatures, very cold temperatures, intense rainfall, snowstorms, hailstorms, windstorms and resulting floods, droughts, and landslides are frequent phenomenon now. India has also witnessed increasing numbers of extreme events in recent times. OCEAN ACIDIFICATION The acidity of surface ocean waters has increased by about 30 percent. This increase is the result of humans emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and hence more being absorbed into the oceans. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the upper layer of the oceans is increasing by about 2 billion tons per year. For each 1 degree of temperature increase, grain yields decline by about 5 per cent. Maize, wheat and other major crops have experienced significant yield reductions at the global level of 40 megatonnes per year between 1981 and 2002 due to a warmer climate. Given current concentrations and on-going emissions of greenhouse gases, it is likely that by the end of this century, the increase in global temperature will exceed 1.5°C compared to 1850 to 1900 for all but one scenario. The world’s oceans will warm and ice melt will continue. Average sea level rise is predicted as 24 – 30cm by 2065 and 40-63cm by 2100. Most aspects of climate change will persist for many centuries even if emissions are stopped Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have increased by almost 50 per cent since 1990 Emissions grew more quickly between 2000 and 2010 than in each of the three previous decades
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CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The following figure is very important because it gives the most authoritative time-series information about gas-bygas global greenhouse gas emissions.
Most climate scientists agree the main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" – warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping known as Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect and is natural and necessary to support life on Earth. However, the build-up of greenhouse gases can change Earth's climate and result in dangerous effects to human health and welfare and to ecosystems.
Total Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Groups of Gases 1970-2010
Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect GAS CO2 (ppm) CH4 (ppb) N2O (ppb) O3 (Du) CFC-11 (ppt) CFC-12 (ppt)
Pre – 1750 Concentration
Current Concentration
Lifetime (years)
280 722 270 237 zero zero
400.16 1842 327 337 236 527
~ 100-300 12 121 hours-days 45 100
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
GHG emissions in India by sector in million tons of CO2 eq
Did you know? Climate Action is GOAL #13 of the new Sustainable Development Goals:
Targets for Goal #13
Did you know?
The average annual carbon dioxide emissions per person, in India is 1.6 tons
On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities have increased concentrations of greenhouse gases. The role of human activity: There is a more than 90 percent probability that human activities over the past 250 years have warmed our planet. The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years.
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climaterelated hazards and natural disasters in all countries Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning Implement the commitment undertaken by developedcountry parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities
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“Some changes to the climate are unavoidable. Carbon dioxide can stay in the atmosphere for nearly a century, so Earth will continue to warm in the coming decades.” EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The potential future effects of global climate change include more increase in temperature, intense rainfall, floods, wildfires, longer periods of drought, windstorms, snowstorms, hailstorms, landslides, floods, droughts, disease, etc. Global climate change has already had observable effects on the environment. Glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier. Plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are flowering sooner. Change in the behaviour of migratory birds. Invasion of Alien Species. Water-scarcity. Food-insecurity. Effects that scientists had predicted in the past would result from global climate change are now occurring: loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves. According to the IPCC, the extent of climate change effects on individual regions will vary over time and with the ability of different societal and environmental systems to mitigate or adapt to change.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN J&K In the context of India, especially Jammu and Kashmir, which nestles in fragile Himalayan Ecosystem; there indicators of climate change are evident now. Climate change poses a serious threat to the agriculture, horticulture, water resources, tourism, species diversity, habitats, forests, wildlife, and livelihood in the region. As per UNEP report some parts of the State are moderate to highly vulnerable. As per INCCA assessment the number of rainy days in the Himalayan region in 2030s may increase by 5-10 days on an average, with an increase by more than 15 days in the eastern part of the Jammu and Kashmir region. The intensity of rain fall is likely to increase by 1-2 mm/day. This is likely to impact some of the horticultural crops. The rate of recession of glaciers is reportedly varying which is being attributed to winter precipitation, climate warming and anthropogenic elements. Temperature, precipitation and cold wave are most likely to significantly impact the agricultures sector. Deficit in food production is growing in Jammu & Kashmir. With the reduction in rainfall, the rain-fed agriculture will suffer the most. Horticultural crops like apple are also showing decline in production particularly due to decline in snowfall. About 34% and 39% of the forested grids are likely to undergo shifts in vegetation type with a trend towards increased occurrence of the wetter forest types. Climate change has impact on human health e.g., impacts of thermal stress, vectors, water-borne pathogens, water quality, air quality, food availability, etc., It is projected that the spread of malaria, tick-borne diseases etc., will all be enhanced. The annual temperature is projected to increase from 0.9±0.6oC to 2.6±0.7oC in the 2030s. The net increase in temperature ranges from 1.7oC to 2.2oC with respect to the 1970s. Seasonal air temperatures also show a rise in all seasons. The annual rainfall in the Himalayan region is likely to vary between 1268±225.2 and 1604±175.2 mm in 2030s. The projected precipitation is likely to increase by 5% to 13% in 2030s with respect to 1970s. The intensity of rain fall is likely to increase by 1-2mm/ day. The water yield in the Himalayan region, mainly covered by the river Indus, is likely to increase by 5%–20% in most of the areas, with some areas of Jammu and Kashmir showing an increase of up to 50% with respect to the1970s. SCIENCE EXPRESS – CLIMATE ACTION SPECIAL
Science Express – Climate Action Special (SECAS) at Udhampur Station
Science Express is a unique science exhibition mounted on a 16-coach AC train. Its 8 coaches are developed by Centre for Environment Education (CEE) on behalf of MoEFCC, GoI which are exclusively devoted to information, case studies and material related to various aspect of Climate change, the underlying science, impacts, adaptation activities, mitigation solutions and policy in a manner that is easy to understand and interesting for not just school students but also the masses. . SECAS will travel across the country for about 7 months, halting at 64 locations in 20 States, covering about 19,800 km. In J&K the trained halted at: Udhampur: 17-20 November 2015, Total visitors: 22,360 Samba: 21-23 November 2015, Total visitors: 21,733
|5 CLIMATE CHANGE & FORESTS Vegetation patterns (distribution, structure and ecology of forests) across globe are controlled mainly by the climate. Even with global warming of 1 – 2 °C, much less than the most recent projections of warming during this century, most ecosystems and landscapes will be impacted through changes in species composition, productivity and biodiversity. It has been demonstrated that upward movement of plants will take place in the warming world. Due to increase in temperatures, change in vegetation, rapid deforestation and scarcity of drinking water, habitat destruction and corridor fragmentation may lead to a great threat to extinction of wild flora and fauna. It is expected that with the increase in drought cycles and concomitant increase in forest fires the some pine species will encroach upon the other species and will play a pivotal role in reducing the yield of non-timber forest products (NTFP) from these forests. The ecosystem services generated would also alter. Inevitably, any change in the forest (distribution, density and species composition) under CC would immensely influence economies like forestry, agriculture, livestock husbandry, NTFPs and medicinal plants based livelihoods. MAJOR CAUSES: Urbanization, Forest fires, Deforestation and Degradation. QUICK FACTS: Marked expansion (11%) in Temperate deciduous, cool mixed and conifer forests at the cost of alpine pastures which are likely to shrink. The unusual trends of winter migration of birds in the wetlands of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Decline in socio-economic important species like Deodar, Fir and spruce and increase in Blue Pine in Kashmir Valley and Chir Pine in Jammu. The spread of invasive alien species like Parthenium, Lantana, Ageratum, Xanthium, Anthemis, etc., Decreasing tree density and forest fragmentation Increased net primary productivity. Increased incidences of forest fires. ADAPTIVE MEASURES: Enhance Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation of degraded forests on war footing Massive Afforestation in river catchments In-situ Conservation of RET species, wild edible and medicinal plants Ecotourism promotion and generation of sustainable livelihood
Glimpses of Forest Food Festival – 2015: An Adaptation to Food Insecurity
CLIMATE CHANGE & AGRICULTURE Agriculture is highly dependent on weather and changes in weather cycle have a major effect on crop yield and food supply. Mountain agriculture is mostly rainfed and driven by biomass energy of surrounding forests and confined to terraces carved out of hill slopes. MAJOR CAUSES: Landuse Changes, Reduced availability of water for irrigation affected by erratic rainfall, Loss of Soil Moisture, Degraded Soil Health, Extreme drought events and shifts in the rainfall regime resulting into failure of crop germination and fruit set. QUICK FACTS: Irrigated rice, wheat and mustard productions may be reduced by 6%, 4% and 4%, respectively. The deficit in food production in Kashmir region has reached 40 %, while the deficit is 30 % in vegetable production and 69 % in oilseed production, putting food security at a greater risk. Invasion of weeds in the croplands and those are regularly weeded out by the farmers (e.g., Lantana camara, Parthenium sp. Increased frequency of insect-pest attacks Decline in crop yield. More and more paddy land being converted to rain fed orchard or dry land. The huge chunk of paddy land have been converted into rain-fed dryland in the districts of Anantnag, Baramulla, Bandipora, Badgam, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian in recent years. Area under apple cultivation increased however yield per hectare has significantly declined during the past decades. These factors have led to loss in agridiversity and change in crops and cropping patterns. Traditional agriculture in the Himalayan mountains has been a rich repository of agrobiodiversity and resilient to crop diseases. ADAPTIVE MEASURES: Improvement in Agriculture Weather forecasting and awareness among farmers Use of best practices for water conservation like sprinkle irrigation etc., Adoption of Organic farming and reintroduction of non-polluting traditional methods Introduction of drought and pest resistant crops Cultivation of wild edible plants/fruits Shifting of dependence on artificial fertilizers towards organic fertilizers like green manure, biomanure, vermi-compost, compost etc. Increased evaporation from the soil and accelerated transpiration in the plants themselves will cause moisture stress; as a result there will be a need to develop crop varieties with greater drought tolerance
|6 CLIMATE CHANGE & WATER RESOURCES The Indus Basin is important source of water to the people of hills and plains through the perennial glacier fed rivers. Climate change is projected to influence the hydrological cycle of water bodies, water supply systems and exacerbate requirement of water in different regions. The disturbance of the hydrological cycle as projected due to the variability in the climatic conditions are likely to enhance the current stress on water resources. Increase in ambient temperature and changes in rainfall pattern might influence the hydrological cycle to a large extent. Other consequences like increase in rates of evapotranspiration, decrease in fresh water availability, mass losses from glaciers and reductions in snow cover might severely impact the hydrological cycle. The reduction in ice cover during the last century, across the globe, especially in mountain glaciers is seen as evidence of Climate Change.
Changes in the extent of Kolhoi glacier from 1962-2013 S.No. Year 1962 1 2013 2 Loss in spatial extent
Total extent km2
(Ref: DOI:10.1657/AAR0014088)
13.67 10.92 2.75
MAJOR CAUSES: Change in the form of precipitation from snow to rain due to escalating temperatures, reduced snow cover, negative mass balance of glaciers due to less accumulation, longer exposure of glacier surfaces due to early melting of snow cover, Increase in melting of glacier. QUICK FACTS: Lowering of Ground water Resources Mountain springs have been reported to decline the water yield or have gone dry mainly due to the erratic rainfall in the recent decades Loss of Industrial and agricultural growth Impact on Food Security Malnutrition and drinking water scarcity Loss of Jobs/Income and Livelihood/Economy Desertification and Land degradation Decline in Hydropower Energy ADAPTIVE MEASURES: Canal Irrigation (Kuhl or gul) Pond Irrigation Rainfall Runoff Harvesting Ponds (Khals) Roof top rainfall Harvesting Check dams and wells
CLIMATE CHANGE & TOURISM Direct impact of climate change is categorized both from the point of seasonal variability and climate extremes. Suitability of tourism at a location is highly dependent on the climate /seasonal variations. Thus, change in the duration and quality of climate-dependent tourism seasons could impact the profitability of the tourism enterprise. MAJOR CAUSES: Increased Frequency of Natural Disasters Diminishing Snow Precipitation Erratic Weather Pattern Bad Health Conditions QUICK FACTS: Change in Tourism flow Alternate destinations Reduced labor and employment demand in Tourism Knock off impact on other Sectors Handicrafts, agriculture/horticulture ADAPTIVE MEASURES: Enhanced shade provision for resort facilities Tourism product and market diversification Provide climatic information to public through collaboration with Meteorological Office Preserve and restore structural complexity and biodiversity of vegetation Protect ecologically “critical” areas such as nursery grounds, spawning grounds, and areas of high species diversity Access to early warning equipment (e.g. radios) for tourism operators Training of tour guides as first responders, and/or building a fleet of emergency responders Weather forecasting and early warning systems Disaster risk management Upgraded and climate resilient critical infrastructure (roads) Rainwater collection and water recycling systems Snow making Techniques
Changes in the extent of Waterbodies from 1911-2014 S.No.
Year
1 2
1911 2014 Loss in spatial extent
Category Marshy Water body 271.70 85.15 117.43 41.11 154.27 44.04
Total [km2] 356.85 158.54 198.31
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THE J&K STATE ACTION PLAN ON CLIMATE CHANGE – AN OVERVIEW The State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) outlines the policies to address climate mitigation from fossil fuel to non- fossil fuel based economy by utilizing renewable energy sources. Keeping in view the local vulnerabilities the plan identifies eleven “National Missions” in contrast to the Eight Missions identified at National Level to promote development along with addressing climate change issues effectively. The Eleven “National Missions” under the plan are: 1. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MISSION/SOLAR MISSION: The key priorities proposed under the missions are as follows: Promotion and implementation of solar city project Promotion of Green Buildings that would promote and mandate use of solar water heating and/or lighting systems Harnessing renewable energy potential of the state for power generation Enhancing State’s own power generation capacity through undertaking micro/mini hydro projects for remote area to meet up local demand 2. NATIONAL MISSION FOR ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY (NMEEE): The power generation in the State is mainly governed by hydro power with a little share of fossil fuel based grid interactive power plant. The key priorities proposed under the missions are as follows: Promoting Energy Efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Promotion of energy efficient pumps in agriculture sector Reducing Transmission and Distribution (T & D) Losses Harnessing the biomass potential Expansion/Conversion of conventional street lights to solar LED/CFL street lights Maximizing solar power usage and Encouraging use of Solar Gadgets (especially in Industries) 3. NATIONAL MISSION ON SUSTAINABLE HABITAT (NMSH): Urban areas face significant impacts of climate change. The key priorities proposed to face the challenges under the missions are as follows: Promotion of battery operated (charged from solar power) transport systems in tourist places, battery driven motor boats instead of diesel engine boats (battery charged from solar module mounted on the boat) and use of alternative fuel instead of diesel to drive Barges and other diesel driven equipment used for maintenance purpose in the lake GHG accounting study on emission by transport vehicles Establishment of intelligent transport system Promotion of public transport and mass transport & Promotion of water transport Establishment of end-to-end solid waste management system Establishment of segregation mechanism of bio-medical waste in urban hospitals and in rural PHCs 4. NATIONAL WATER MISSION (NWM): Climate change is projected to influence the hydrological cycle of water bodies, water supply systems and exacerbate requirement of water in different regions. The key priorities proposed under the missions to undermine the impact of climate change and also to enhance the sustainability of the sectors are as follows: Promoting and implementing water use Efficiency measures Comprehensive water budgeting in lieu of the current and future demand from domestic supply, irrigation, industry, tourism and for other sectors Monitoring river flows and mapping of flood and drought zones Formulate comprehensive rejuvenation plan for Dal Lake, Mansar Lake, Manasbal Lake, Pangong Lake and all other major lakes Assessment and Implementation of rain water harvesting and artificial recharging of ground water Dealing with flood in the changing climate scenarios. Reducing impact of increased erosion and sedimentation Creation of storage facilities on distributaries of river Chenab and Jhelum as per Indus Water Treaty. 5. NATIONAL MISSION FOR SUSTAINING THE HIMALAYAN ECOSYSTEM (NMSHE): In J&K, the major cause of increased vulnerabilities to the Himalayan ecology are unplanned construction, changing socio economic profile, over and unplanned exploitation of natural resource, unplanned urban growth, conflicts. The key priorities proposed under the missions to undermine the impact of climate change are as follows: Study on vulnerability of mountain ecology Capacity building and awareness for all levels of stakeholders Identification of climate grids and effect on forest and ecological resources Study on anthropogenic intervention on ecological hotspot Study of climate impact on migrated birds and their timings Identification of current status of Himalayan ecology and climatic trend analysis for Himalayan ecology
6. GREEN INDIA MISSION (GIM): The mission is being implemented by Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI and considers the fact that climate change will affect natural forests of the country and associated livelihoods of the people. The main aims of the mission are: Gene bank development for climate adaptable species Climate Oriented Eco-restoration through afforestation Study on per capita fuel wood consumption and alternative livelihood Climate impact study in undisturbed/ protected forest areas. E-green portal with geo-reference Nursery development for climate adaptable species REDD+ feasibility study for carbon sequestration 7. NATIONAL MISSION FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (NMSA): Weather variability or climate extremes resulting from climate change could have direct and indirect effects on the crops, soils, livestock and pests. The key priorities proposed under the missions to undermine the impact of climate change both through adaptation and mitigation measures and also to enhance the sustainability of the sectors are as follows: Planning of cropping system and crop varieties through Crop diversification, drought tolerant crops and water saving crops Integrated nutrient management (INM) and Promoting Zero Tillage Introducing Trash mulching in agriculture Combating climate related risk through Micro Irrigation programme Weather based Crop insurance Conservation of pollinators, pollination and plant phenology mismatch Grass Land Management / Forage/ Fodder production. 8. NATIONAL MISSION ON STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (NMSKCC): In this context, the State mission on SKCC intends to create a knowledge system that would help implement adaptive actions to reduce vulnerabilities as well as take advantage of the mitigation opportunities The key priorities proposed are as follows: Compile currently available information for assessment frameworks, methods and tools for climate impacts, decision support tools, good adaptation practices Establishment of weather and climate data and easy access of data to climate researchers and end users of vulnerable community as well as livelihood sector Develop & maintain online portal on climate change Organize, annual forum of learning seminar, workshop and dissemination of knowledge based products 9. DISASTER MANAGEMENT MISSION: J&K is a multi -hazard prone region with natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, high velocity winds, snow storms. Such incidents frequently occurs thereby disturbing the ecological balance and in most of the case directly results to disastrous events. The key priorities proposed under the missions to undermine the impact of climate extremes are as follows: Hazard risk mapping using GIS and Remote Sensing Strengthening Communication Networks and Disaster Management Facilities Developing and promoting concept of Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management (CSDRM) Disaster response training at the community level to build infrastructure and human resources for medical preparedness and emergency medical response to manage mass casualties during extreme events 10. TOURISM: The unplanned and unprecedented growth of the tourism industry in the State has resulted in severe detrimental impact on local environment. The key priorities proposed under the mission are as follows: Construction of Bio-toilet Implementation of solid and liquid waste management facility Improve climate change related knowledge base of tour operators 11. HEALTH: The impact of climate change over human health is likely to be multi-faceted involving increased incidence of vector, water and food borne diseases, malnutrition and under nourishment, injuries and death caused by extreme hydrogeological events and thermal stress. The key priorities proposed under the missions are as follows: District wise inventory on water born and vector borne diseases with respect to weather variability Research and study on impact of climate change on human health Modernization of existing hospitals and PHCs Increase in disease surveillance Systematic analysis of data about vector/water borne diseases Integration of GIS mapping for collection, analyse and share data and identification of spatial areas of high concern Monitoring system to understand changes in pattern of diseases to deal with new diseases from emigrants (H1N1, H7N9 etc.)
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DECREASE YOUR FOOTPRINT
CoP–21 The representatives from 195 countries have created history in Paris by agreeing to a comprehensive climate change deal that will commit nearly every country to lowering planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions besides giving a boost to clean energy business. On Earth Day, falling on April 22, 2016, it will be opened for the signatures of members for one year and it will enter into force once 55 countries accounting for at least 55% of emissions ink it. HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS:
GOAL: Nations agreed to contain warming below 20C and try for 1.50C. Impact: Will push out fossil fuels from economies. PEAK: The world will aim for climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions to peak “as soon as possible”, probably in second half of the century. Impact: Will provide affordable green technologies to developing countries. CLIMATE ACTION: Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to be reviewed again in 2023 and then once every five years. Impact: Introduces ‘name and shame’ regime for nations that don’t have an ambitious climate plan. EMISSION REDUCTION: Cooperative effort to reduce emissions, with higher burden on richer nations Impact: Introduces cooperative effort to reduce emissions, with higher burden on richer nations. LOSS AND DAMAGE: Section recognising “loss and damage” climate-related disasters. Impact: Most vulnerable nations will be partially covered for loss because of disasters. It is a victory for small island nations threatened by rising seas. FINANCE: Financial assistance of $100 billion by 2020. Impact: Countries like India, say after 2030, will have to contribute. TRANSPARENCY: Technical Expert Review of climate action plans for all developed and developing countries Impact: Brings countries on single accountability platform. TAKING STOCK: First of climate action plans to happen in 2023 and then every five years. Impact: Gives permanency for periodic enhancement of climate action plans
SOLAR ALLIANCE Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched an International Solar Alliance (ISA) of over 120 countries at the CoP–21 Climate Conference, with an announcement that the revolution in the field would bring power to all citizens, and create unlimited economic opportunity. The new body, which has invited all countries located fully or partly between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn to join, is to function from the National Institute of Solar Energy in India, Gurgaon. The Centre will provide land and $30 million to form a secretariat for the Alliance, and also support it for five years, the Prime Minister said at an event that was co-chaired with him by French President Francois Holland. This bold effort could bring affordable solar power to tropical villages and communities worldwide. India’s pledge to the Paris summit offered to draw 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Use both side of the paper. Keep bird baths and feeders Plant and nurture trees. Eat locally produced fruits and vegetables. Prefer home-made refreshments. Shift to walking, cycling and use public transport. Make festivals environment-friendly. ‘Carpool’ to work. Do not burn waste. Do switch off the ignition at the red light. Do not burn biomass, use them for composting. Prefer organic foods. Encourage products of local artisans. Prefer carbon neutral kitchen appliances. Revive water harvesting structures. Switch off appliances as you leave the room. Dry clothes in the sunshine. Use stairs and avoid lifts/escalators. Say ‘NO’ to plastic bags. Use cloth bags. Compost biodegradable waste. Do not waste food. Be a responsible tourist-do not litter. Use leftover water to water plants.
INCREASE YOUR HANDPRINT REFERENCES 1. Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC. 2. Impact of climate change on the western Himalayan mountain ecosystems: An overview by G. C. S. NEGI. 3. Climate Change and India: A 4 x 4 Assessment - A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s (INCCA). 4. http://climate.nasa.gov/ 5. Awareness material developed by CEE Ahmedabad.
J&K ENVIS Centre Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing
Jammu & Kashmir Majid Farooq Coordinator-ENVIS Associates Amreena Yousuf Sheikh Sajid
Website: jkenvis.nic.in Feedback email:
[email protected] Tel: 0194-2490823, 01942454847, 0191-2474553
