Scientists, researchers to sensitise legislators on climate change

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Climate Change Initiative-Karnataka (BCCI-K) is contemplating to draft a legislation on the lines of the Climate Change Act, an Act drafted by United Kingdom Parliament, and appeal the elected representatives of both the houses to adopt the same.

BCCI-K is a consortium of research institutions chaired by Prof. B.K. Chandrashekar, comprising scientists and researchers from Bangalore based premier institutions, besides other research organisations in India and abroad.

The consortium has produced four landmark reports that have analysed long-term effect of climate change, assessed vulnerability and adaptive capacities in identified sectors and regions in Karnataka. Describing the recent Paris Pact on Climate Change as a step forward to enable the global community to work towards limiting global warming at safe levels, D.H. Shankaramurthy, Chairperson Legislative Council, said that a workshop for elected representatives of both the houses would be organised in Shivamogga to educate them on the importance of pact. “The intention is to educate them on the issue and seek their support in formulating Act,” he added.

Underlining the urgent need for Centre to bring in legislation, Prof. Chandrashekar said that coordination between states was imperative for achieving the goal of Paris Pact. Studies conducted by BCCI-K have shown that green growth opportunities in Karnataka can avoid Greenhouse Gas Emissions. At the same time the studies also reveal that all major crops of Karnataka will be adversely impacted leading to concerns about sustained food production and food security, Prof Chandrashekar said.

Karnataka is one of the most vulnerable states in the country to projected climate change, due to heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and hydroelectricity. There is a need to develop institutions and capabilities in Karnataka to leverage the Global Climate Fund adaption finance that may become available, he explained.

The studies have identified several opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy and transport sector mitigation opportunities. Some of the critical opportunities that Karnataka could benefit under the global climate finance mechanism such as World Bank, he said.