National Action Plan on Climate Change UPSC NOTE

 Why in News

• The climate crisis is already here and does not impact everyone equally. 

• Women and girls experience disproportionately high health risks, especially in situations of poverty, and due to existing roles, responsibilities and cultural norms. 

• According to the UNDP, women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster. 

• The Supreme Court of India has just ruled that people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change, and the right to a clean environment is already recognised as a fundamental right within the ambit of the right to life.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – Basic details

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):

• Launched in 2008 by the Government of India.

• Aims to address climate change while promoting sustainable development.

Framework includes eight National Missions focusing on various areas:

1. Renewable energy (e.g., National Solar Mission)

2. Energy efficiency (e.g., National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency)

3. Sustainable habitat development (e.g., National Mission on Sustainable Habitat)

1. Water management (e.g., National Water Mission)

2. Himalayan ecosystem preservation (e.g., National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem)

3. Increased forest cover (e.g., National Mission for a Green India)

4. Sustainable agriculture (e.g., National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture)

5. Climate change research and knowledge (e.g., National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change)

State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC):

• Developed by individual states and union territories in India.

• Builds upon the NAPCC framework while considering specific state-level contexts and challenges related to climate change.

Aims to:

1. Adapt to the impacts of climate change (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather events).

2. Mitigate climate change through emission reduction strategies.

3. Integrate climate change considerations into state-level planning processes.

Key Points to Remember:

1. NAPCC provides the overall national strategy for climate action.

2. SAPCCs translate the national plan into action at the state level.

3. Both plans emphasize sustainable development alongside climate change mitigation and adaptation.