Our only thought at the moment should be how more and more people can survive with dignity and equity, given the humongous change in the climatic conditions facing the state of Chhattisgarh.
This was opined the experts at the day-long consultation on “National and State Perspective of Climate Change towards low Carbon and Climate-Resilient Actions” at the New Circuit House here on Wednesday.
The development quotient against the factors of disparity in living conditions, piqued by increasing global warming, changing climate cycles, vanishing crops and life forms like insects and birds- exposes the vehement need for immediate dialogue on Climate Change, carbon emission and the responsibilities of both developed and developing nations in the world. And it has to be done now, they stated.
The Consultation was organised jointly by Oxfam India, Krishak Biradari and Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA).
Inaugurating the first session, Pradeep Sharma Convenor Krishak Biradari said that everyone present in the Seminar should feel frank about their take on Climate change, and the atrocities citizens are facing in the wake of this ferocious phenomenon.
The first session was chaired by Chandrashekhar Sahu, President, Krishak Biradari.
He said that we all are ready to have been born in Chhattisgarh that has plethora of biodiversity, rovers, nullahs; but depleting rainfall and ever changing cycle of climate has left the people flabbergasted. Agriculture is most affected.
The keynote address was delivered by AA Boaz (IFS), PCCF, Chhattisgarh who elaborated on India’s role as well as its take on how to fight Global Warming as a developing nation while pitted against the rising ambitions and apathy of the Developed nations.
Boaz highlighted that India’s approach has to be equitable and ambitious when dealing with climate change, negotiations with the developed nations and emphasised on the relevance of Chhattisgarh State Action Plan on Climate Change.
He further highlighted our per capita Co2 emission records. This was followed by a session by Sidhharth Pathak from CANSA (International.)
Ajay Jha from PAIRAVI organisation substantiated the linkages between National Submissions with State Actions.
He stressed on the immediate need for banking on renewable energies for power generation since power generation creates most pollutant gases in the atmosphere.
He further illustrated how countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh have successfully generated sustainable development options without polluting the atmosphere.
Emphasising Oxfam india’s role in fighting climate change and global warming especially in the context of poverty, illiteracy and sustainable dignified existence of poor, Vanita Sanuja, Theme lead from Oxfam Delhi said that fighting disasters to establish a peaceful society remains a distant dream for Oxfam since Climate Change is causing more and more disasters everyday.
Sharat Chandra Behar, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary stated that India has good existing policies that should be used justifiably to achieve equitable climate change response.
He said that it is sad how government has a policy for excise but none for fighting poverty.
Behar warned that State sponsored rush to convert cities into smart cities can lead to major disasters , as it pushes carbon emissions to multiple levels.
Professor ASSR Shastri, a retired Meteorologist stating that India’s climatic conditions have taken a catastrophic turn in the last ten years.
He expressed deep anguish at the increasing droughts and famine all over the State although rains and spells of drought are not limited to any two areas or districts for long. Hence, its important to change crop rotation cycle as well.
Shastri stated that during 70s, there were thousands of ponds in Chhattisgarh, that are slowly drying off and thus, irrigation potential has decreased.
Raman Mehta from CANSA stated that local perceptions regarding crop sowing, reaping, and in this way, his entire life cycle has gone through major transition in the last one decade. There is, he added, an increasing need to think about poor people, the BPl people, when framing any policy by the nation.
Ranjan Panda from Odisha, Mahanadi Riverkeeper also added that Odisha and Chhattisgarh both have agro economy and hence, the twin states are facing the worst brunt of climate change in the nation.
Several local fruits and crops like Mahua, mango etc., have undergone total transformation in their cropping cycle. He also added that there might be severe repercussions in future.
A few grassroot level experiences were also shared by villagers who had come from Janjgir, Bilaspur, Korba and other districts. The vote of thanks was proposed by Anand Shukla, Regional Manager, Oxfam India.