Steps taken to fight climate change in state: CS

Patna: Bihar emits around 74mtCO2e (metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) carbon emissions per annum, which is only around 2-3 % of the national average. In normal scenario, the temperature may rise by 1.5 degrees C in almost all districts by 2070, unless mitigation measures are adopted.These are the preliminary findings of an ongoing study titled ‘Climate resilient and low carbon development pathways for Bihar’, the outcomes of which were reviewed in a meeting held here under the chairmanship of chief secretary Amir Subhani on Friday.The state government, through the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), India, in February 2021 to prepare strategies to build climate resilience of people and systems and reach net zero emission by 2070. BSPCB sources said the first two years under the MoU were dedicated for baseline study for identification of sources of carbon emission in the state. Following field visits in all 38 districts to ensure a “grounded, inclusive and participative” study, UNEP and its partner agencies along with BSPCB presented their recommended strategies in the meeting at the main secretariat building here on Friday.Speaking on the occasion, Subhani said, “It is important for timely implementation of the recommended strategies to minimise the adverse impacts of climate change.”Atul Bagai, head, UNEP in India, said Bihar is the first state in the country to do such a study. “This will become an example in the country and will be impactful in addressing the challenges from climate change. Several internationally reputed organisations like WRI India, CEEW, RTI, ICLEI South Asia, DA and CII have contributed immensely to the study. The final report is due in next few months,” he said.Deputy head of UNEP in India, Divya Datt, gave a detailed presentation on the impacts, risks, and vulnerabilities from climate change on Bihar. State development commissioner Vivek Kumar Singh said local factors should be factored in while suggesting the action plan. “The developmental aspirations of Bihar can be considered through the strategies,” he said.D K Shukla, chairman, BSPCB, said recharge of groundwater was a challenge. “Increase in humidity as temperature increases also impacts the climate,” he said.