Policies addressing climate change must be grounded in reality and incorporate adaptation strategies at all levels of governance, including the local level, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated on Saturday. Speaking at the closing session of the “India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future” symposium, the Minister of State for Environment emphasized the need for long-term resilience measures beyond emergency interventions like heat relief programs.
Highlighting the significance of financial support, Singh stressed that effective climate adaptation requires robust investments in infrastructure, policy reforms, and financing mechanisms. He pointed out that integrating adaptation into both short-term and long-term climate strategies is essential for building sustainable solutions.
Caroline Buckee, a professor at Harvard University, underscored the necessity of detailed data collection to identify vulnerable populations at risk from climate change. She emphasized the role of timely censuses in obtaining accurate health estimates and advocated for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding climate-related health impacts. India’s last decennial census was conducted in 2011, with the next one delayed since 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tanmay Kumar, Secretary at the Environment Ministry, called for inclusive, community-driven adaptation strategies that leverage traditional knowledge and local practices. Over the past four days, experts at the symposium deliberated on critical issues, including the effects of heat and water stress on agriculture, health, employment, and urban infrastructure.
The Environment Ministry issued a statement emphasizing the importance of local governance in climate-resilient agricultural practices to enhance food security and nutrition. Experts at the event proposed linking scientific research with policy, studying long-term climate and water trends, establishing local climate forums, and utilizing AI-driven forecasting models.
Other key recommendations from the symposium included improving communication among stakeholders, advancing technology for climate adaptation, and balancing immediate and long-term resilience strategies. The discussions underscored the need for a coordinated approach to tackle climate change challenges effectively.
