ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
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- ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
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Secretariat: CECOEDECON
BEYOND
COPENHAGEN
December 2009
Secretariat: CECOEDECON
SWARAJ, F-l 59-160, Industrial & Institutional Area,
Sitapura, Jaipur-302022 (Raj.)
Ph: 0141-2771488/2770812/3094824 | Fax: 0140-2770330
E-mail: cecoedecon@gmail.com | Website: www.cecoedecon.org
The science projects that climate change exacerbated by anthropogenic factors is
dangerous for the humanity and the environment. It might be a matter of debate
that when Himalayan Glaciers will completely melt, however, the climate change
is real and all of us have witnessed how temperatures have risen and precipitation
has reduced. Tire number of extreme climatic events too have increased, which is
pointer to the fact that human activity has fiddled with the cycle of nature. The
global governance and politics is expected to contain what science projects as
dangerous. However, the politics of climate change does not seem to be seriously
addressing this issue. The developed countries seem to be determined to continue
their high energy and water stress lifestyles and put the burden of containing
climate change on developing countries which have frugal resources and skill to
do it. It is not only unethical but against rule of law and reason, as developing
countries and especially least developed countries and small island states have no
significant contribution in causing this crisis. The attitude of developed countries in
not compromising on their emissions is also a dictat of death for these small island
states, many of them will be reportedly submerged at current rate of emissions.
The climate change discourse has taken shape in the last decade and there are
still many who dispute its projections. The matter of fact is that pending the
debate where climate change owes to human activity or not; all of us should be
responsible for sustainability of the natural resources, and should be accountable
to the coming generations for its judicious use.
Beyond Copenhagen has undertaken many initiatives, which has resulted in high
public awareness and sensitivity on the issues of climate change. We appreciate
such efforts, and look forward for many more like this. All of us need to educate
and sensitize ourselves on these issues so that we can continue to enjoy and use
resources that nature has ordained on us.
Thanking you
(Vinod Shankar Dave)
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zl Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The intervention is a joint collaboration between a number of CSOs having
different skills and expertise and working with a range of primary stakeholders,
policymakers, NGO networks and media. It involves a number of organizations
with varying experience ranging from grassroots works with farmers and peasant
communities, policy analysis, advocacy and lobbying, media and education,
scientific exploration in climate change, sustainable agriculture and food security.
The intervention is based on the understanding that there is an urgency to work in
collaborative action on climate change, sustainable agriculture and food security
issues and proposes to address these issues through a variety of actions at local, state,
national and global level. The goal of the intervention is to inform and educate the
stakeholders on manifestations - likely impact and policy development on climate
change and at the same time encourage environment building to broader policy
formulation on climate change. The actions undertaken by the Collective included
awareness and education to primary stakeholders, political mobilization, working
with media, collecting evidences of manifestations and impact of climate change,
help evolving an informed and participatory country position in international
negotiation.
On the road to Copenhagen the Collective organized discussions and debates
involving a range of stakeholders including farmers, scientists and experts,
policymakers, civil society and media. A number of workshops and consultation
were organized to make stake holders on the manifestations and likely impact
of climate change. Though climate change has wider ramifications for economy
and sustainable development of the country, the discussions underlined that
sustainable agriculture and food security will have the worst impacts and
therefore, the climate change discourse should be approached from the point of
view of proofing agriculture from the impacts of climate change in order to ensure
food security of millions of food insecure population not only in India but in other
developing countries as well. Therefore, the mandate of the Collective has to ensure
best consideration to agriculture in the climate change negotiations internationally
and concerted efforts on studying, understanding and moderating climate change
impacts on agriculture and especially rain fed agriculture in the country.
The Collective, realising the critical importance of COP 15, in terms of achieving
decisions and commitments for with long term and medium term objectives
with regard to combating climate change at regional, national and global levels,
intervened through a delegations of experts as well as grassroots activists. A wide
range of interventions from informal discussion and dialogues to formal meeting
and representation to the official delegation were organized at COP 15 with the
objective of bringing focus on agriculture in climate change negotiations. The
COP 15 did not achieve much in terms of bringing developed countries to declare
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reasonable binding commitments; however, it emphasized the global alert on
climate change and peoples concern all over the world to save humanity from the
climate crisis.
The outcome of the efforts have been very encouraging. The response of civil society,
policymakers, UN Organizations (in India) Embassies and media to the issue and
the collective has been very heartening. A number of policymakers have offered
the collective their active role in taking the climate change discourse to their states
and to particular target groups including youth. The media partnership has been
spectacular both at state as well as national level. The UN organizations especially
UNICEF and UNFPA have also shown increasing interest in climate change and
support towards it. The Collective also ensured keen interest and active participation
from the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
We believe that concerted global efforts on climate change is the only way to
tackle it, however, the way to it lies through the labyrinths of serious and sincere
national and local efforts. Post COP 15 the Collective has placed equal attention
on national and state level efforts on education and awareness, investment in
climate research and policy and improved efforts on agricultural adaptation and
mitigation, as well as developments in international negotiations. We look forward
to more organizations, efforts and individuals joining hands with us and making
the climate change issues a national concern.
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2. RATIONALE OF THE INTERVENTIONS
The intervention of the Collective is largely focussed at five major areas, which are
as follows:
2.1. Highlighting Traditional Resilience to Climate Change
It includes identifying, documenting and highlighting traditional resilience to
climate change as well as developing sustainable models addressing adaptation
and mitigation.
Droughts and floods are not new to India. Almost half of India reels under drought;
while the rest faces floods from monsoons every year. In different parts of the
country, communities have adaptation and coping mechanisms which make them
stay afloat in floods and droughts without much damage. India has a rich example
of indigenous methods to adapt to the changes of the climatic conditions. The
traditional knowledge which has been evolved through generations of experience
has successfully survived a lot of changes and challenges posed by the climate. The
agricultural community know so many indigenous solutions that have evolved
over the centuries and now form the body of traditional knowledge prevalent in
our country.
Traditional Knowledge has shown the contribution of chemical, organic and SRI
crops to climate change, but, unfortunately, fertiliser industry in India is hugely
subsidized and it is big contributor to climate change. There are plenty of successful
practical models from all over India that shows how these local efforts can ensure
water, food and livelihood security and can help mitigate climate change. There is
a need to learn from them and replicate them in other areas.
This is also true in the context of early warning systems. The communities have
rich knowledge and experience of forecasting weather changes with the movement
of birds, behaviour of animals and pets, and movements of winds, water, and
number of other perceptible changes in climatic and non-climatic factors. The
rich knowledge accumulated through generations need to be shared with other
communities, incorporated in weather forecasting and early warning systems.
2.2. Engaging with Public Actors and Policymakers
Realising the fact that none of the political party has taken a position on climate
change, it was pertinent to have a Consultation with political parties to sensitise
them so that they can lobby and advocate for influencing the national position not
only for international negotiations but also for actions at home.
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Action Against Climate Change
The current process of policymaking is highly exclusive and secretive. The National
Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was made without consulting the civil
society or primary stakeholders that is farmers. It laid down that in the light of
NAPCC objectives state and different ministries will come up with their own
detailed action plans within a year, however that does not seem forthcoming. The
recent Missions Plan on water has misplaced focus and did not invite participation
from civil society. The Mission is geared more towards the international negotiation
rather than addressing urgent needs at the national level.
Because of lack of interest and awareness among the members of Parliament, and
the governing dispensation, the plans are passed without engaging in broader
consultations. The role of opposition parties too has been negligible in this context. In
the circumstances, it is extremely important to educate and aware the policymakers
and elected representatives. The interested and aware Policymakers would
definitely demand better attention of Parliament and improved policymaking on
climate change.
2.3. Compilation of Analyses and Critiques of Policies on Climate Change
The existing NAPCC has been rejected as an intellectual verbosity having no
information of ground realities and social and economic aspects of climate change.
It also has received flak for not providing equity to different stakeholders groups
in access to knowledge, resources, technical expertise etc. to different stakeholder
groups. There is no public outcry against these, as majority of the people are unaware
of the policies and its implications on various critical aspects like agriculture, food
security, equity and access to water and other natural resources, land use policy
etc. There are a number of already available expert and practitioners' opinion,
which vary substantially from government policies and positions. The intervention
will compile these critiques and make them more accessible and user friendly for
larger audiences with the aim of educating and involving them in asking for a
participatory, informed and inclusive decision making.
2.4. Sensitising Media
The role of media in following up climate change manifestations, impact and
negotiations has been minimal. At the national level media has taken some
note of developments with regard to climate change however, the reflection of
climate change issues covered by media at state level is still in a sad situation. The
discourse appearing in the national print or electronic media has been sponsored
by industries and companies to present their perspective. The media at state levels
have completely failed to grasp the importance of bringing the debate to the larger
audience. It is envisioned that at least in some states/regions having prominent
prints of climate change; media should be informed so that they create larger
awareness and ultimately lead to informed and larger debate.
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A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
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2.5. Intervention at COP 15, Copenhagen
COP 15 was supposed to be a big milestone in the war against climate change. It
is pertinent to share the perspective of farmers, civil society and experts from the
country. The Collective sent a delegation composed of different interest groups
and individuals to participate in the COP 15 at Copenhagen. The Collective
coalesced with other like minded groups and organizations with the objective of
influencing the negotiations and bringing more voices for including agriculture in
climate change negotiations.
2.6. Beyond Copenhagen
Copenhagen was projected as the 'Hopenhagen' as the entire world was converging
here to strike a deal, a deal to save the planet. However, the developments
preceding COP 15 really put a big question mark on whether heads of all the states
would be able to reach to a conclusive deal. The developed countries pressure on
the developing countries, especially the BASIC countries, to make some binging
commitment, ignoring the Kyoto Protocol, was bound to bring developing
countries in conflict with developed countries. The Collective envisages that the
developed countries must not escape from their historic responsibilities by putting
undue pressure on developing countries.
India does not have to make binding commitments compromising the development
needs of the country but at the same time, domestic efforts needs to be streamlined
to address the issues of climate change. Hence, the Collective has not confined
its efforts to the international negotiations only. Effective intervention is required
domestically to make governments more accountable towards the increasing
vulnerability of the poor and the disadvantaged due to climate change. The global
efforts on climate change needs to be sustained through labyrinths of serious and
sincere national and local efforts. The national and state level efforts on education
and awareness, investment in climate research and policy and improved efforts on
agricultural adaptation and mitigation are few to name.
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Action Against Climate Change
3. INTERVENTIONS OF THE COLLECTIVE
Based on the themes discussed above, a range of activities encompassing
grassroots education, awareness and capacity building to media and policymaker's
sensitization was conducted before intervention at COP 15. It was also envisioned
that the efforts will have to go well beyond COP 15 to have long term impacts.
3.1. Public Hearings on Impact of Climate Change
3.1.1. National Public Hearing on Climate Change
(Delhi: 11"' to 13"1 November 2009)
The Public hearing was organized by Oxfam India in collaboration with more
than 40 NGOs and networks and was the culmination of series of public hearings
organized in different agro-climatic zones. The objective of these hearings was
to bring forward evidence in the form of testimonies of people to influence the
decision makers on the urgency of taking serious, effective and meaningful action
on the issue of climate change. The Collective supported the National Consultation
with facilitation, mobilizations and testimonies. More than 1000 people from all
over India including experts, farmers, fisher folk, dalits and adivasis, children,
youth and women participated in the National Public Hearing.
This initiative is part of a series of six hearings in India aimed at giving an
opportunity to people from the grassroots to testify on the effects of climate change.
Other hearings held at - Rishikesh (Himalayan Eco-system), Mumbai (Urban
Poor), Pondicherry (Coastal areas), Jaipur (Rain-fed Areas), and Patna (Flood
Affected areas) manifested that communities and people's lives are devastated by
Climate Change. A video, made on the testimonies, was shown at Copenhagen
where heads of States met in December to agree on a global climate pact. Oxfam
organised these hearings in many countries globally to put forth the argument that
developed countries must support developing countries for adaptation work and
that they immediately need to reduce their carbon emissions.
3.1.2. Public Hearing on Climate Change: Voices from Rain-fed Regions
(Jaipur: O4'h November 2009)
A public hearing on the impact of climate change in rain-fed areas was organised
on 4th November 2009 by Oxfam and its allies at B.S. Mehta Bhawan, HCM-RIPA,
Jaipur. The event, hosted by CECOEDECON and PAIRVI in collaboration with
more than 40 organizations and networks was attended by representatives from
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A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
12 states of the rain fed areas of the country. The objective of the public hearing
was to include the voices of the agrarian and pastoral communities from arid and
semi-arid states into the climate change debate in the national debate. The impacts
of climate change on their livelihoods and their coping or adaptation mechanisms
were presented in the public hearing. The testimonies would enable to generate
demands for appropriate actions/policies from the government to support the
people in adapting to the impending consequences of climate change.
More than 400 people from 11 rain-fed states in the country (Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya
Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh) converged in Jaipur to discuss
the impact of climate change in their regions and their lives in the public hearing
on climate change. The participants came from all walks of life like farmers,
pastoralists, agricultural experts, scientists, and members of civil society. A jury of
eminent citizens comprising Justice V S Dave, Justice Panachand Jain, Shri Rajendra
Bhanawat (NREGA Commissioner, Rajasthan), Shri Manhar Adil (Representative
of Government of Chhattisgarh), Dr. Suman Sahai (Gene Campaign), Ms. Sunita
Satyarthi (Advocate and ex-member Women Commission, Rajasthan), Mr. Arun
Kumar 'Panibaba', and Mr. C K Ganguly conducted the public hearing.
The summary of the testimonies highlighted the shrinking of rainy and winter
seasons and increasing of summer. Delay in the onset of monsoon, untimely
rainfall, higher temperatures, dwindling forests and growing deserts. During the
public hearings, deposing before the Jury farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
said for the last five years the precipitation and number of rainy days has come
down significantly and disrupted the entire agricultural cycle in the region. Tribals
and pastorals from Jharkhand and Gujarat said that due to the decrease of forest
cover due to climate change their livelihood opportunities and income from forest
produce has significantly reduced compelling them to migrate to nearby urban
areas. NGOs from these states also attested to loss of number of species of plants,
pests and insects. The public hearing sought to attract the attention of local and
national policymakers to incorporate the voices of people in the policy making.
The hearing ended with the Jury's verdict which stood by the testimonies and
urged the global and national governance to take these testimonies before making
a deal.
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f', Action Against Climate Change
3.2. Consultations and Workshops on Climate Change
3.2.1.
National Consultation with Policymakers and Public Actors
(Delhi: 23rd November 2009)
In the backdrop of the International negotiations
on Climate Change at Copenhagen-Denmark,
scheduled from 7th December to 18th December
2009, a group 40 civil societies organization from
all over India, along with many representatives
from different High Commission, Embassies and
member of Parliament belonging to different
political parties, participated in a National
Consultation with Policy Makers and Public Actors titled Towards Consensus on
India's Position on International Negotiations held on 23rd November 2009 at India
International Centre, New Delhi. The National Consultation was culmination of
first phase of campaign against climate change initiated by Collective.
Shri Chandrashekhar Sahu, Minister for Agriculture, Labour and Animal
Husbandry, Government of Chhattisgarh was the Chief Guest of the Consultation
who argued that agriculture has a huge capacity for not only reducing current
emissions but also stored GHG emissions, therefore it should be given prominence
in the international negotiation and all developing countries must raise this
issue in solidarity. The Consultation was attended by Members of Parliament
from different political parties including Bhartiya Janta Party, Indian National
Congress, Sikkim Democratic Front, Left Parties like Communist Party of India,
Revolutionary Socialist Party.
Mr. V. S. Vyas, Member of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, delivered
the key note address and emphasized that developed countries must take
responsibility for historical emissions and compensate the developing countries in
the constrained carbon world keeping in mind the principles of justice and equity
and common but differentiated responsibility in the Kyoto protocol. He stressed
the need of solar energy technology in the coming 10-15 years to reduce emissions
in developing countries. Com Abani Roy (MP, Revolutionary Sociality Party) said
that the climate change is posing the most serious threat to the survival of the
vulnerable people besides people with similar organic dependence on nature's
cycles and resources including farmers, fisher-folk, pastorals, labourers, artisans,
women children etc. Mr. Sanjay Nirupam (MP, INC) appealed to youth of the
country to raise issue of climate change. He emphasized that there should be a
balance between climate change concerns and development needs. Shri Anil Dave
(MP, Rajya Sabha) said that India should give priority to research and investment
on solar energy as it is the best option for India's emerging energy needs. Mr. P.
D. Rai (MP, SDF) and Mr. Pradeep Tamta (MP, INC) emphasized that Himalayan
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A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
ecosystem has the key of India's environmental and also economic sustainability
and therefore, it should be given appropriate attention in the policymaking. Mr.
Digvijay Singh (MP, Independent) stressed that India must stick to its guns and ask
for huge reduction by developed countries and adaptation fund. Mr. Om Prakash
Yadav (MP, Independent) added that India can be a leader in the struggle against
climate change as the agricultural community in India has huge experience in
adaptation to tropical and arid conditions.
The Consultation saw an increasing interest among
the key international actors to speak to the MPs
and civil society on the issues of climate change.
Representatives of Annex 1 countries, Denmark
(the host for COP 15 Meeting), Australia, Norway,
Italy, and developing countries like China, Nepal
and Sri Lanka also participated in the Consultation.
Mr. Thomas Hahr, First Secretary and Climate
Attache, Royal Danish Embassy said that both
developed and developing countries have to be flexible and compromising in
their approach to make a deal possible at Copenhagen. He added that recently
many developed and developing countries have shown renewed commitment
and flexibility in the approach by revising their reduction commitments and
declaring national action plans. Denmark is going into negotiations with a very
high level of expectations. Mr. Ge Song Xue (Counsellor) and Mr. Qin Hongming
(Second Secretary), Embassy of China said that both the countries - India and
China - are sailing on the same boat and we should promote technologies and
training to the developing countlies and further strengthen the Kyoto Protocol.
Ms. Sarah Kirlew, Second Secretary, Australian High Commission, shared the
recent efforts, national and bilateral efforts initiated by new government to reduce
emission and its intention to play and key and meaningful role in international
negotiations. Dr. Santa Mole, Director International Development Cooperation
office, Embassy of Italy, expressed her high hopes from the COP 15 and said that
controlling emissions and coming to an agreement was in the interest of humanity
more than the interest of individual countries. Mr. P R S Gunratna, First Secretary,
Sri Lanka High Commission, and Mr. Dhan Bahadur Oli, First Secretary, Nepal
Embassy called for south-south solidarity. The Consultation also received goodwill
message from a number of Ministers and MPs including Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya
(Minister Commerce and Industries, S&T and IT, Government of MP), Mr. D Raja
(Communist Party of India), Mr. Vishnu Bahuguna, Ms. Biplove Thakur (Indian
National Congress). Mr. OM Thanvi, (Senior Editor, Jansatta) delivered the vote
of thanks.
A People's Declaration on Climate Change 2009 was also adopted by people's
organisations, NGOs, and other CSOs in this National Consultation with Members
of Parliament, Leaders of Political Parties.
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Action Against Climate Change
3.2.2.
Civil Society Interactive Workshop on Climate Change: Priority Areas for
Policy and Action (Delhi: 29,h July 2009)
A Civil Society Interactive Workshop on
Climate Change: Priority Areas for Policy and
Action was held on 29th July by the Collective
with the objective to brainstorm on priority
areas in climate change and forge enhanced
collaboration between stakeholders on these
issues. The Chief Guest, Dr. Nitin Desai
(ex-Under-Secretary-General for Economic
and Social Affairs of the United Nations)
said that climate change is the issue of denial among India policy makers and
public actors. The government and civil society must address this 'denial'. He
also remarked that adaptation issues, unlike issues of mitigation, have not been
receiving much attention at global level. Adaptation is not just a climate issue; it
needs to be embedded in our development trajectories. Dr. Desai also suggested
areas of research and action where civil society not having scientific knowledge
can contribute significantly and substantially.
Dr. Raghunandan (Delhi Science Forum) highlighting the state of play in
international negotiations said that the role of the developing countries should be
based on the principles of equity wherein the poor countries have a right to claim
compensation from the industrialised countries. Mr. K Ravi Srinivas, (Research and
Information System for Developing Countries) emphasised on the inter-linkages
between Trade, Biodiversity and Climate Change. Mr. Tirthankar Mandal (WWF)
explained the issues of IPR barriers and advantages of the relationship between
climate change and technology transfer. Prof. Surjit Singh (Institute of Development
Studies, Jaipur) established the fundamental relationship between the climate and
health. Dr. Linu Mathew Phillip (Centre for Trade and Development) sketched
the role of transport in reducing emissions and how a climate-friendly mechanism
helps us in solving the climate riddle. Ms. Vanita Suneja (Oxfam India) argued
that the issue of climate change is first of all a matter of equity as far as poor
and vulnerable people are concerned as well as a matter of development from
the point of view of the threats and challenges involved. Mr. Shirish Sinha (Head,
Climate Change and Energy Programme, WWF) pointed out the need to identify
energy access and energy security as an essential point for social and economic
development. He emphasizes the problem of disparity in energy access as half
of the population do not have access to commercial energy. The sessions were
chaired by Dr. Suman Sahai (Gene Campaign) and Dr. Devendra Sharma (Food
and Trade policy Analyst).
Various alternatives on this issue were discussed and assessed by the participants.
Some of these are - (i) the civil society should influence the policy makers and
public actors to come out of their state of 'denial'; (ii) need to bring forward the
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A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
ground level evidences, observations and case studies so as to compliment the
ongoing scientific researches; (iii) need to evolve a system through which the
information can be disseminate to the masses in a systematic and focussed way;
(iv) need to highlight the issues of health, poverty, equity, etc. in the climate change
negotiations which basically focuses on carbon mitigation and carbon emission
reduction; (v) Adaptation should also be given same priorities as mitigation; (vi)
agriculture much be brought into focus in the climate change debate; (vii) civil
society should not only act in a traditional reactive mode but a more proactive
approach needs to adopted.
3.2.3.
Multi-stakeholder's Consultation on Droughts in Santhal Pargana
(Dumka, Jharkhand: 11"‘ September 2009)
A regional Consultation was organised in
Dumka, Jharkhand where organisations,
activists,
administrative
officials,
academicians, actively participated. A
detailed discussion took on the origin
and history of droughts and the prevalent
techniques to tackle the drought. The
discussion also focussed on drought and its
relation with climate change, and to what
extent anthropogenic sources are responsible for it, and what could be the possible
long-term sustainable and achievable solutions.
"In the entire Majhi tola of Nischintpur village (Jama Block, District Dumka),
residents have not eaten rice, dal, and vegetables - three things together and three
meals in a day for months, said Soloman Marandi, in the consultation. Most of
the people are surviving with cooked rice, marr (juices of rice) and murhi (puffed
rice) with salt or a small quantity of Gughani. It goes without saying that most of
farmers of this region are able to take only one crop in a year due to lack of any
support from the Government. Extreme poverty, lack of resources, and starvation
deaths are very common in this area. The rainfall has become very irregular and
the nature of drought is also changing with time which requires an immediate as
well as long term measures from the state.
The Consultation realised the growing awareness of the common people/villager
on climate change. They largely relate drought with the deforestation, destruction
of traditional water bodies, destruction of hills and forest areas, large scale mining
etc. They fail to articulate the situation from the climate change perspective. The
civil society needs to undertake wide information dissemination campaigns to
generate awareness among the masses on the impact of climate change. It was
also realised that the climate change debates should be promoted and more
consultations should be held at broader levels.
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Action Against Climate Change
3.2.4.
Multi-stakeholder Regional Consultation on Climate Change
(Pune, Maharashtra: 27"' October 2009)
The western region Consultation was organised on 27th October 2009 at Pune,
Maharashtra by the Collective members, which was hosted by Development
Support Team (DST), Pune. The objective of the workshop from the government
was to create awareness amongst the civil society organisations regarding
climate change and its impact over various spheres of life and also to sensitize
the organisations on their role and responsibilities in this process. Around
30 representatives from 19 organisations from urban and rural Maharashtra
participated in the Consultation.
For understanding the impact of climate change on human life, four core areas namely
public health, agriculture, food security and social justice were identified. These
topics were dealt with in separate sessions by experts like Ms. Aruna Deshpande
(State Health Resource Centre), Dr. Mukund Ghare (Geologist and Environment
Activist), Mr. Vivek Velankar (Social Activist, Nisargsevak), Dr. Milind Bokil (Social
Researcher and Development Consultant) and Mr. Vijay Pratap (South Asian
Dialogues for Ecological Democracy). A special session was designed to apprise the
participants of the role of civil society organizations in evolving coping mechanism
and community resilience towards climate change. All the sessions and discussions
were held in the local language to ensure better participation.
Most of the participants conveyed that though they had read or heard about climate
change, they were not aware of all the causes leading to climate change and its
impact over various spheres of life. The Consultation helped them to develop their
understanding about the causes and impact of climate change. The participants
agreed to take this process to their operational areas especially those relating to
coping mechanisms, which will help them combat the situation. They also urged to
conduct such programmes more frequently in the local areas especially with farmers
and peasant community. It also emerged from the Consultation to keep records of
small and significant changes in the environment witnessed by the people in their
respective areas. Such records can be utilized to create awareness amongst people
and also to build people's opinion for combating climate change issues.
3.2.5.
Multi-stakeholder State Consultation
(Patna, Bihar: 20"' October 2009)
A State Consultation was organised by the Collective in collaboration with
Vidyasagar Samajik Suraksha Seva Evam Shodh Sansthan (VSSSESS) and Bihar
Council for Scientific and Technical Education. It was attended by more than
300 representatives from NGOs, farmers, SHG members, agricultural scientists,
academicians, civil servants, media and policy makers. Experts from Geography,
Geology, Climatology, Statistics, and others shared their issues related to different
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A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
aspects and dimensions of drought and climate change. The issues of impact on
agriculture, cropping pattern, food security, women's health including dalits and
tribals and methods of making government and community sensitive towards it
were also discussed.
Mr. Vyas (Principal Secretary, Department of Labour Resources, Government
of Bihar) addressed the Consultation and drew the attention of the participants
towards ill impacts of climate change. Mr. C. P. Sinha (Ex-member, National
Water Commission) shared his research on decrease in rainfall and increase in
temperature in Darbhanga district in Bihar in the last 100 years.
Other speakers included Dr. Amitabh Ghosh (Director, Bihar Council of Science
and Technology, Government of Bihar), Mr Vijay Pratap Singh (Department of
Planning and ex-director, Statistics, Government of Bihar), Mr Vijay Pratap (South
Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy), Mr. Ajay Kumar Jha (PAIRVI), Dr. Ajay
Kumar (Senior Agricultural Scientist, Agricultural Research Institute, RAU), Dr. Y.
R. K. Karn (Ex-director, Research, Animal Husbandry, Bihar Veterinary College),
Dr. Dharmendra Sinha (Expert on Fodder Development, Bihar Veterinary College,
Patna), Mr Vijay Kumar (Head, PG Department, Gandhian Thought, Tilka Manjhi
Bhagalpur University), Dr. D. P. Singh (Suprintendent, Government Ayurvedic
College and Hospital, Patna).
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Action Against Climate Change
3.3. Sensitisation of Media
Regional Media Sensitisation Workshop
(Jaipur, Rajasthan: 16"' September 2009)
A Media Sensitisation Workshop on Climate Change and Emerging Challenges
was organised in Jaipur on 16th September 2009. The aim of the workshop was
to highlight the need for serious and urgent reporting challenges on climate
change impact. The magnitude of climate change impacts is huge and media
needs to report it with seriousness and urgency. This workshop brought together
environmentalists academicians, Journalists, and experts to generate an informed
debate in run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in
December 2009. The workshop also felt that Media's role in influencing political
will and building consensus is crucial.
The workshop was inaugurated by Minister
of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development,
Mr. Bharat Singh who appealed the media
to take the issues of climate change and
carbon emissions to the masses. Justice V.
S. Dave (Retired Justice, Jaipur High Court)
welcoming the gathering highlighted the
concerns and estimated outcome of the
workshop. Keynote address was delivered
by noted economist and Prime Minister's
Economic Advisory Council Member Prof V.S. Vyas who warned that unless
remedial measures not taken, the situation would deteriorate in future. The Guest
of Honour, Mr. Samuel Mawunganidze, State Representative, UNICEF, said that
20 percent of the GDP would soon be used for providing response to the impacts
of global warming, while parents would be forced to divert their expenditure from
education and healthcare of children to just feeding their families. United Nations
Population Fund State Representative, Mr. Sunil Thomas Jacob affirmed that a
proper focus on family planning, reproductive health and population stabilization
would help deal with the challenges of climate change. BBC Editor, Mr. Sanjeev
Srivastava urged the media to make effective interventions on the issues of
linking global change with issues such as child mortality and maternal health
to present them as human interest subjects. Delivering the presidential address,
Mr. Om Thanvi, Senior Editor, Jansatta and Vice President of the South Asian
Free Media Association (SAFMA) said issues of environmental degradation and
global warming should occupy the centre stage in the media, which was presently
heavily influenced by profit motives. He said the owners of newspapers should
encourage journalists to write on these important topics.
14
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
Dr. Suman Sahai, Chairperson, Gene Campaign said the global warming would
have its biggest impact on agriculture, especially in the dry land areas. She added
that conservation of bio-diversity was crucial for food security, while the locally
available seeds and soil treatment methods should be promoted to tackle agrarian
crisis.
Three technical sessions were held to highlight climate change scenario, its social
dimensions, health and nutrition aspects, effects on depleting ground water,
population perspective, gender issue, civil society perspective and the challenges
of reporting on climate change.
About 83 Journalists including from Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhakar, news
agencies, TV channels took part in the workshop. This number also includes the
upcoming journalists, who are studying Journalism and Mass Communication
from the Rajasthan University, Jaipur National University, and International Girls
College. On behalf of Association of Small and Medium Newspapers of India, its
General Secretary, Mr. Ashok Chatruvedi along with Mr Akhilesh Shukla, Member
of the Association and Editor of Nutan Sandesh Varta, Kanpur participated in this
workshop. About 30 civil societies/NGOs representatives besides huge number of
farmers and students were also present to participate in this workshop.
Representative of Electronic Media including Doordarshan, Directorate of
Information of Public Relations, Government of Rajasthan, All India Radio and
Press Information Bureau of Government of India took interest in this event and
had given wide publicity. The Directorate of Information & Public Relations has
issued a press note pre event on 14th September and on 16th September. This Press
Note was given to about 150 different media coverage and also uploaded on the
government website. The leading developmental web portal of South Asia - One
World South Asia published stories on this event.
15
Action Against Climate Change
3.4. Research and Publications
Compilation of Testimonies on the Impact of Climate Change:
Hindi
A small booklet was published by the Collective on the compilation
of Testimonies on the impact of Climate Change in rain-fed areas. It
contains 25 selected testimonies of the farmers, pastoral and other
vulnerable communities.
"Akele nahin aata akaal" (Drought does not come alone): Hindi
A booklet written by Mr Anupam Mishra, Environment Expert,
Gandhi Peace Foundation was published which highlights the
issues of political economy of droughts. It analyses various aspects
related to preparedness and capability as well as people's traditional
knowledge to deal with the droughts and the politics behind.
Verdict of the Public Hearing: "Climate Change: Voices from the
Rain-fed Areas": English
The verdict of the jury of Public Hearing conducted at Jaipur, Rajasthan
on 4th November 2009 was published by the Collective. The 24 page
document contains the Order of the Jury which was consisted of 8
members - Mr. Arun Kumar 'Pani Baba', Mr. C K Ganguli 'Babloo',
Ms. Sunita Satyarthi, Shri Manhar Adil, Justice Panachand Jain, Shri
Rajendra Bhanawat, Dr. Suman Sahai, and Justice V. S. Dave as Chairperson. It also
contains messages from Mr. Kailash Vijayavargiya (Minister, Government of Madhya
Pradesh), Mr. Chandrashekhar Sahu (Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh), and
Mr. Bharat Singh Kundanpur (Minister, Government of Rajasthan).
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"Jalvaayu Parivartan aur Bharat": Hindi
A booklet in Hindi was published by Pairvi on behalf of the Collective for
broader dissemination of the information on climate change. It contains
topics like - climate change, green house effect, global warming, carbon
emission, reasons, issues and challenges of climate change in India,
International political scenario, international negotiations, India's
position on international negotiations, India's preparedness, various demands and
expectations from national and international policy makers.
16
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
People's Declaration on Climate Change, 2009: English
The People's Declaration on Climate Change, 2009 is published for
wider circulation among the policy makers and public actors. The
declaration was adopted by people's organisations, NGOs, and other
CSOs in the National Consultation with Members of Parliament,
Leaders of Political Parties, representatives from Embassies, High
Commissions and Bilateral Funding agencies.
3.4.6. The Incomplete Idiot's Guide to COP15: English
A booklet focussing on the International Negotiations at COP and MOP
meetings containing the position of various Annex-I countries and
Non-Annex countries as well as the positions of various INGOs was
published by Pairvi and CECOEDECON on behalf of the Collective.
People's report on "Status of Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security and
Community Resilience in India" (Underpublication)
There are several stakeholders in the country closely monitoring the climate
change impacts on the lives of people. It is planned to prepare a report on
community perspectives through 20 individuals/agencies from different parts of
the country. The planning meeting has been held and a core group is formed to
undertake this initiative. The initiative is being undertaken in the leadership of Mr.
Anupam Mishra, a well known environmentalist and expert on traditional water
conservation and management. A number of eminent writers and journalists have
agreed to contribute to the report. The report is expected to be finished by the end of
February 2010. A dissemination workshop will be organised in which the authors
will present their articles to an audience comprising different stakeholders.
Dictionary on Climate Change: Bilingual (Underpublication)
A dictionary on climate change has been compiled. It explains the concepts, events,
positions, and terminology related to climate change. It is being translated in Hindi
for the benefit of larger audience. The dictionary will help substantial proportion
of the Hindi reading population and broaden their understanding on climate
change. We will encourage stakeholders to reproduce it in their local languages.
Documentation of Traditional Early Warning Systems and Weather Forecasting
(Underpublication)
The work has been initiated by CECOEDECON in couple of states rich in such
experiences. The report documents rich traditional knowledge of communities
to forecast weather and climatic events through a variety of methods including
movement of birds and animals, water etc.
J7
.'*! Action Against Climate Change
4. INTERVENTION AT COP 15, COPENHAGEN
A delegation of 20 representatives participated at the COP 15
meeting at Copenhagen, Denmark. The delegation included
policy makers, public actors, media representatives, representative
from judiciary, scientists, lobbyists, and representatives from the
communities affected directly. During its stay from 7th December to
COP15
17th December 2009, the Collective conducted a range of activities
COPENHAGEN
from informal discussions to formal representation to the official
delegation of government of India. A side event "Bringing Agriculture in Focus in
Climate Change Negotiations" was organized which was attended and appreciated
by a large gathering at COP 15. Liaison with other groups and networks produced
more support for bringing due attention to agriculture and climate change issues.
The Collective brought out newsletters and updated the proceedings and activities
on real time basis through a blog - http://beyondcph.blogspot.com . Various
members of the Collective also intervened in a number of other side events by
presenting opinion of the civil society at large in general, and asserting the need to
bring agriculture in climate change negotiations in particular.
A brief description of the activities undertaken during the COP 15 is as below:
4.1. Representation to the Official Delegation
Members of the Collective including Mr. Chandrashekhar Sahu, Minister of
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Chhattisgarh Government and Mr. Anil
Mahadev Dave, Member of Parliament met the official delegation of India and
underlined the civil society and Collective concerns with regard to international
negotiations. The official delegation assured us that they are aware of the sentiments
and concerns of the farmers and civil society and will make all efforts to alley their
apprehensions. The official delegation categorically said that India will strengthen
the G 77 and will stick to its stand of heavy cuts in the emissions in developed
countries and financial and technological support for the developing countries.
4.2. Side event on Bringing Agriculture in Focus in Climate Change
Negotiations
Unfortunately the atmosphere at the official centre (Bella centre) of the negotiation
was dominated by business interests and agriculture was prominent by its absence.
The Collective organized a workshop discussing why agriculture is important
within the climate change discourse and why it should be debated at length in
climate change negotiations. The speakers from different countries emphasized
18
A. Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security in their country and region
and how climate change has impacted agriculture.
During the meeting, the relevance of agriculture
in Copenhagen negotiations was highlighted.
In the agreements, agriculture is usually
considered as an industrial agriculture, while
the role of traditional agriculture is no t taken into
account. Only at Klima Forum few discussions
around the theme of agriculture and Climate
Change were held. The negotiations focussed
only on the industrialised agriculture which is characterised by high costs
and high technology were the major concern is profitability and not the
food security. The side event sought to bring the argument that agriculture
is critical for food security in developing countries and should be given due
emphasis in negotiations. It should bring definite commitment in terms
of technology tansfer, financial support for mitigation and adaptation in
agriculture for developing countries.
The speakers in the side event included Mr. Bhaskar Goswami, Mr. Malla
Reddy (Action Fraterna, India), Mr. Aditi Kapoor (CAN SA), Ms. Nicole
(MISEREOR, Germany). The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Ajay K. Jha
(PAIRVI, India) and chaired by Mr. Vijay Pratap (SADED, India)
Mr. Bhaskar shared how India has turned into net importer of food from a self
sufficient country on account of low priority to agriculture in policymaking.
Mr. Malla Reddy emphasized conditions of cotton growers in Southern
India and how they have been compelled to commit suicide year after year.
Ms. Irene shared importance of agriculture in ensuring food security in
the pacific. Mr. Paul highlighted the conflict between land for foodgrains
production and its conversion into lands for agro-fuel production. Ms.
Aditi brought out the argument that developed countries conception of
agriculture is industrialized and highly mechanized agriculture for mass
production and export, whereas in developing countries agriculture is a
source of sustainability and food security in developing countries.
Agricultur's potential to reduce current and stored GHG emissions was also
duscussed. The panellists also lamented the fact that agriculture has been
relegated to the background in the negotiations and
considering its centrality in ensuring food security
and sustainable development in developing
countries, it should be given due attention.
The workshop was attended by more than 300
people from different nationalities who took keen
interest in the subject.
19
Action Against Climate Change
4.3. Collective's Blog
The Collective also created a blog to pass real
time information to partners and stake holders in
India and all over the world on the developments
in negotiations and other events at COP 15. The
daily updates also helped many news agencies
to source their reports. The blog become a central
point of reference for a good number of activists
and journalists in India. The blog can be accessed
at http:// beyondcph.blogspot.com.
Dcyontl Copcnhngru
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4.4. Daily Newsletter
The Collective also published daily newsletter which was
circulated to participants in the COP 15 and was received
well. The daily newsletter also brought out the writings of
distinguished members of the Collective. The newsletter
titled, Beyond Copenhagen was also circulated in India
through emails.
4.5. Media Engagement at COP 15
The Collective engaged the Indian media at
Copenhagen and provided them valuable inputs
on agriculture and climate change, climate change
impacts in India, and civil society and farmers
perspective on negotiations and expectations from
COP 15. Bytes from the Collective were covered by a
number of media agencies including Star News. The
participation of Mr. Om Thanvi, noted media person,
also helped to interact with various print and electronic media representatives from
India. While the news on negotiations was covered widely in India print media,
Mr. Thanvi's editorials also raised many important issues regarding the social,
economic and political aspects of climate change and COP 15.
4.6. Collective's Exhibition Booth
Collective's exhibition booth showcased the
literature and other publications of the Collective. It
also helped in engaging the visitors to the. booth on
informal exchange of ideas on many issues related
20
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
to climate change and COP 15 negotiations. Members of our Collective made their
best efforts to persuade each and every visitor towards bringing agriculture into
focus in the Climate Change Negotiations.
4.7. Participation in the Klimaforum09
Klimaforum09wasakindofplatformforconstructive
and visionary solutions - a space to promote and
debate true, renewable, environmentally sustainable
and socially just solutions to the climatic changes
we are facing. The "People's Climate Summit"
know as KlimaForum was organised parallel to the
COP15 in Copenhagen from 7th to 20lh December
2009. It was full of a diversity of activities from
hearings, workshops and exhibitions to actions,
artistic activities and demonstrations.
Klimaforum09 was initiated by the independent
association CivilSociety's Climate Forum supported
by more than 40 international movements, networks
and organisations. Klimaforum09 became a hub of
activities when high level segment opened at COP
15 and entry was severely curtailed.
Long and serious sessions on Debt, Trade, Financing etc. on the Cuban energy
revolution, on rights to seeds and other BD for farmers, - many such lively
programmes kept the huge but disorganised crowd of climate activists, farmer's
groups, indigenous people's groups etc. busy throughout the day. Among few of
the activities that Collective attended was organized by Climate Justice Now and
via Campesina. The People's Assembly presented a wonderful touching piece.
Everyone in the assembly responded spontaneously to the 5 mins film on the
struggles of the Indian tribal people - K. P. Shashi's "gaon chhorob nahi, jangal
chhodob nahin, maa maati chhorob nahi, larhai chorob nahi". The highlight of the
people's assembly was the Nigerian poet Nnimmo Bassey, leading the indigenous
people's struggle against the Oil Multi-national, whose foot-stomping song "We
thought it is oil, But it was Blood" put the whole assembly on fire. Movement
after movement asserted their right to determine their own future, free of market
control, and free of capitalistic controls and manipulations and exploitations".
As a solidarity expression, members of the delegation also participated in the events
and discussions organized by other civil society organizations and networks in the
Action Against Climate Change
4.8. Participation in the Climate Action Rally on 12th December at Copenhagen
A Global Day of Action Climate March was
organised in Copenhagen on 12th December 2009.
Thousands of activists from the Climate Justice
Action and Climate Justice Now networks joined
the climate march under the banner of SYSTEM
CHANGE AND NOT CLIMATE CHANGE to
denounce the climate negotiations as a predictable
failure.
The protesters demanded radical changes in economic and political systems in order
to address the climate crisis. The coming together of the Climate Justice Action and
Climate Justice Now was an unprecedented coalition of social movements, NGOs
and grassroots climate activists from around the world to demand alternatives to
the failed market solutions being pushed by governments and big businesses.
Josie Riffaud from La Via Campesina a global coalition of peasant movements,
said - "We have seen this week in Copenhagen that governments are turning the
climate chaos into commodities. Farmer's men and women - are taking to the streets
today because we are so outraged by the ineffective targets and false solutions such
as agro fuels being peddled by business lobbyists and governments that listen to
them". Lidy Nacpil from the Jubilee South Coalition said - "All week we have
heard a string of excuses from northern countries to make adequate reparations for
the ecological crisis that they have caused. We are taking to the streets to demand
that the ecological debt is repaid to the people of the South". Lars Fredikssen, an
activist from Climate Justice Action said - "At the root of the climate crisis is an
economic and political system that puts profit above people and the long term
sustainability of this planet. Unless we address these root causes, climate change
will devastate people around the world. These talks are a predictable failure and
that is why we will be taking action next week to create a People's Assembly.
We want the voices of ordinary people who are already being affected by climate
change to be heard and listened to". Members of our Collective were also a part of
this Global Action March against Climate Change. It is estimated that more than
1,00,000 activists joined the rally in Copenhagen. The similar kind of rallies were
also organised in other parts of the world on the same day.
4.9. Participation in Energy Tour
An Energy tour was conducted by the Denmark Government to highlight its
major energy efficient programmes mainly related to the Dairy Farming and Solid
Waste Management. Five members of the Collective participated in Energy Tour
to understand the model, method and means of reducing carbon emissions. City
of Helsingborg in Sweden was awarded the best Municipalities for its operation
22
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
in solid waste disposal and productive use of urban solid and liquid waste. The
Chairman of Heisenberg and company which is looking after the environmental
issues presented the case study on the productive use of waste to energy. The
municipal solid waste dumped in the landfill sites was used to collect methane gas
which was upgraded to be used as a fuel for the city transport buses. At present
40% of the public transport is being run with this fuel saving 60 per cent of carbon
emission. This bio-gas is further liquefied and can be transported to any desired
locations. With combination and multiple uses of this transportable bio-gas, the
city of approx. 127,000 residents has reduced carbon footprint to a great number.
According to Mr. Prakash Chhangani, a member of the Collective, this method
is economically viable in the Indian contexts also as most of our cities have more
than a population of 1 lakh.
4.10. Networking and liasoning with other groups
The delegation organized meetings with various groups from India, Asia and
Europe in order to bring convergence in the objectives and efforts. Largely all the
groups have been part of advocacy efforts around the themes of climate justice
and equity in the available carbon space. The "Beyond Copenhagen" delegation
interacted with them with the objective of advocating centrality of the issues of
agriculture and food security especially in the developing countries. Various formal
and informal discussions with variety of groups resulted in more informed opinion
and increased solidarity on the issues of bringing agriculture in focus in climate
change negotiations. The immediate result of wide networking and liasoning efforts
was substantially large presence at the side event of the delegation titled "Brining
agriculture in focus in climate change negotiations". Convinced on the importance
to take the debate forward, many Asian and European groups expressed a keen
desire for cross exchange of information and collaborative measures in the region.
Strong willingness and probability for collaborative planning and programme
emerged from the discussions.
23
Action Against Climate Cli«ng<
5 FUTURE PROGRAMMES OF THE COLLECTIVE
Now that the dust on Copenhagen seems to be settling, all of us realize that
Copenhagen did not settle anything. Rather it has unsettled some already settled
propositions and it is unfortunate that now things will have to move on the lines
which the powerful developed countries have charted along with some developing
countries eager to be deal makers. COP 15 beyond any doubts have sounded a
death knell for CBDR based on the principles of historic responsibilities, which
was equitous for the countries who have no contribution in bringing about climate
change. It has completely jettisoned the efforts to keep in the rise in temperature
below 2DC and junked the Kyoto Protocol. The developed countries have got
what they wanted. They have made developing countries agree to reduction
in emission and have successfully brought in monitoring mechanism which
subjects developing countries to international verification. On the demise of the
superstructure of Kyoto Protocol which 192 countries hoped would bring climate
justice, just five countries have build their safe haven, which gives them liberty
to continue polluting at nominal costs. It immediately consigns many AOSIS
and African countries to death, if scientific projections are to be believed. More
importantly, it seems to have opened a third track of negotiations besides, KP and
LCA, which have been relegated to the background. There are very few possibilities
of COP 16 adopting CA officially. It means democracy and multilateralism in COP
comes to a premature death.
The Copenhagen Accord marshaled largely on the behest of US puts global
environment in perilous conditions. Many researchers have by now agreed that
at best Copenhagen Accord will be able to keep the temperatures below 3.5DC
to 4DC. While the direction and outcome of international negotiations are still
unpredictable, what all countries will have to do nationally requires strong
commitment and political will. The countries who thought that it would be
fashionable to declare reduction commitments just before Copenhagen, will have
to do serious homework, scale up their act and take the nation along.
India is not exempted of the tribulations it will face on account of its stand in the
international negotiations and in setting the house in order. Before Copenhagen
nobody thought that government of India was serious in addressing climate change
issue at home. A hastily cobbled National Plan of Action, serious dissensions
within the cabinet, no concrete road map to follow it is as discrete and as messy
it can be. At the national level, complete lack of communication with the state
governments and allied ministries has been the most worrying factor. While there
is some semblance of seriousness at the national level, the state governments
are yet to grasp the significance of the issue and start applying there minds. The
unease in the centre state relations brings in additional handicap in developing a
comprehensive climate management. Different Ministries have been looking up at
24
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
climate change as an issue to be dealt solely by Ministry of Environment and forests,
contrary to this most of the work will have to be done by different ministries and
at the state levels. Post Copenhagen agenda envisages intense work at state level.
It includes energy audit, energy planning and efficiency, exploring renewable
sources of energy. One should lose sight of the enviable task of ensuring energy
equity. However, the most important from the collectives' mandate is bringing
synergy between agriculture and food security in times of climate change.
Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security: Larger Objectives
The most important among the pursued objectives will be agriculture and enabling
agriculture to cope with climate change so as to ensure food security of 65% of the
population dependant on agriculture and allied industries. The FAR estimates loss
of more than 40% of the output in wheat and disturbing projections for rice in near
future due to impacts of climate change, it definitely means a more concerted and
concrete efforts both on mitigation and adaptation aspects. Beginning from the
most obvious, tackling the root cause and limiting the emission, it would require
proliferation of interventions at every level and in every direction. The actions
will have to share the common goals and determinants such as equitable access
to resources, appropriate technologies and substantially scaled up non-farming
opportunities. Intense brainstorming within and outside the government on how
emissions from agriculture and forestry would be reduced, how to produce food
with greater input efficiency and low GHG emissions, and how agriculture, agro
forestry can best adapt under given local circumstances can only determine right
priorities, policies and action. The aspects of adaptation will be more critical as
the efforts would require individual farmers. Bringing huge number of farms
under knowledge network and induce desired action may be highly challenging
in countries like India. The adaptation will include strategies from a number of
listed actions to a number of actions which certain communities may be practicing
but is not accessible to larger farming community.
The morbid condition of the agriculture and declining public investment needs to
be reversed immediately if India has to base its food security on self sustainability
in agricultural production. It is high time we started thinking food security in
terms of sustainability of small farms and making agriculture a viable activity.
The research and policy investment in small scale agriculture will have to be
pursued vigorously in view of the fact that small farms are more sustainable and
less polluting for the environment. Similarly, intensive and extensive research
in dry land and semi arid farming needs equal attention. Agricultural research
is the only factor which has increased the gap between agricultural outputs in
India and China, which was almost equal 20 years back. Dedicated and committed
agricultural research institutions and universities and rather a fairly equipped
research and knowledge centre for each 27 agro climatic sub zone in India, might
25
Action Against Climate Change
turn climate change into an opportunity for Indian agriculture. Let us also not be
misled, there is not food security without water security and unless addressed in
all earnestness can reduce the outcomes despite best efforts. Drainage of wetlands
and deforestation, river capture, over exploitation of aquifers and groundwater
have already reduced the availability to alarming proportions, the threats posed
by climate change requires us to be more prudent in use, proactive in conservation
and restoration, and consistent in planning.
The objective requires the collective to take simultaneous actions on a number of
trajectories. Besides on going interventions; the discussions within the Collective
and with the stakeholders have identified a number of activities that are pre
requisite to achieve these objectives.
1. Engagement with Public Actors and Policymakers: The Collective believes that
the present National Action Plan is far removed from the grassroots realities and
does not have the benefit of wider interaction and assessment. Therefore, it seeks
to engage with the policymakers with regard to improved and imformed debate
and discussions for policymaking. A number of political parties have expressed
keen interest in getting feeders based on which questions can be raised in the
Parliament and State Assemblies. The Collective will employ a group of researchers
to compile and provide these feeders to the policymnakers at state and national
level. A periodical or newsletter will also be brought out for the circulation among
the political representatives.
2. Working with Agricultural Universities: The experience of the collective has
shown that Climate change is still not a big concern for agriculture Universities.
Therefore, it reckons it necessary to assess the kind of researchers/ work going on in
the agriculture universities both national and regional. The research scholars can be
influenced to conduct researches on the emerging impacts of climate change as well
as on the adaptation and mitigation measures.
3. Monitoring of NAPCC - Mission Documents: The collective will also keep a
watch on National Missions announced under NAPCC and progress on the stated
objectives. There is an urgent need to have wider consultations on NAPCC and
its various Missions as they have been developed without much stake holder
participation.
4. Engagement with the State Governments: The Collective believes that the state
governments are still not very much informed and active on efforts related to climate
change and needs urgent engagement. Therefore, the Collective has identified a
number of state including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and
Jharkhand. The Government of Chhattisgarh has already initiated a number of
actions under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Mr. Chandrashekhar Sahu.
The Collective is in communication with state governments in other states also
with regard to similar initiatives.
26
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
5. Engagement with Fanners on Sustainable Agriculture: The Collective also
looks forward to wider engagement with farming community in bringing out best
practices of adaptation and mitigation and share them with farming communities
who have been badly hit by impacts of climate change. A number of case studies
have been already undertaken and are under compilation.
6. Awareness Workshops with State Level Organizations: Climate change is
an area where individual education, approach and behaviour matter equally as
efforts of the government. Until and unless every individual contributes, it might
be impossible to achieve the goals. Education, awareness and behavior change
among individuals in no less than important a strategy will have to be given
similar priority.
7. Climate Change Resource Website in English and Hindi: The collective looks
forward to develop a resource website for various stakeholders like Farmers,
NGOs, Public Actors, Agriculture Researchers and Advocacy organizations. This
would inform the opinion of stake holders and take climate change discourse to a
higher level.
Ongoing Interventions
Some interventions are already taking place in close collaboration of the existing
funding partners and others. While some of them are short term interventions
undertaken with the objective of generating further information and knowledge,
some are comparatively wider actions involving a number of other organizations
and having several components of information collection, dissemination and
advocacy. A brief description follows:
1. ICCO Pilot Project on Agricultural Adaptation: ICCO has started a pilot project
on traditional ways of agricultural adaptation in 6 regions. In India, it is partnering
with CECOEDECON and Seva Mandir to document best practices and share it
with other partners and communities.
2. SUSTAINET'S Study on Climate Change: A study on 'Adaptation of Indian small
scale farmers to climate risks in different regions of India' is being conducted by
four SUSTAINET - India partner organisations. The report will be documenting
the climate change perceived by the community, impacts on water availability and
farming systems and ultimately on livelihood security.
3. Climate Action Plan of Food and Water Security Coalition
The Food and Water Security Coalition India is engaged in organising regional
consultations to prepare a lobby agenda for food and water security issues in
the context of climate change. The collective looks forward to explore natural
convergence of ideas and efforts.
27
Action Against Climate Change
ANNEXURE 1
Brief Profile of Organizations in the Collective
1. CECOEDECON
CECOEDECON is non profit non govt organization engaged in a variety of
development research and advocacy activities. Its mission is to facilitate the
empowerment of partner communities, dalits, indigenous people, small and
marginal farmers, landless, deprived women and children. The interventions are
focussed around the concerns of Climate change, food security, and sustainable
agriculture etc.
2. Forum for Biotechnology and Food Security
Forum for Biotechnology and Food Security' is an independent collective of wellknown and distinguished agricultural scientists, biotechnologists, economists,
farmers, and policy makers. Led by Dr. Devinder Sharma, well known food policy
analyst, it works on agriculture, food policy' and international trade issues.
3. PAIRVI
Pairvi is anon profit advocacy and lobby support organization working with small
grassroots community based organizations. Working on the primary concerns
of human rights, right to food and livelihood, climate change, PAIRVI works to
enhance advocacy capacities of partner organizations and engages in advocacy
and lobby with public actors and elected representatives to broaden public space
for policy making.
4. SADED
South Asian Dialogue on Ecological Democracy is a project of Centre for Developing
Societies (CSDS) and promotes education, dialogue and research on sustainable
development and climate change.
28
A Collective Intervention Beyond Copenhagen
1
ANNEX 2
Delegation to COP 15
1. Ajay K Jha: Mr. Jha is presently Director of Public Advocacy Initiatives for
Rights and Values in India (PAIRVI) which is an advocacy support organization
committed to provide technical service such as training, research, networking,
advocacy to strengthen the abilities of civil society constituents in North and
Central India
2. Alka Awasthi: Dr. Alka is Deputy Director at CECOEDECON, Jaipur and is
heading the projects on Natural Resource Management.
3. Anil Dave: Mr. Dave is a Rajha Sabha Member and member of Committee on
Water Resources. He is also a member of the Consultative Committee for the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
4. Bhagirath Mai: Mr. Bhagirath Mai is a social activist and has been active on the
issues related to farmers, drought and sustainable agriculture.
5. Bharat Bhushan: Mr. Bhushan is the founder member and director of Uttar
Pradesh based organisation called PANI (people's Action for National Integration)
which works for the promotion of communal and social harmony and national
integration for a society full of justice and equity by generating organised people's
action.
6. Bhaskar Goswami: Mr. Bhaskar Goswami is an expert on food security and is
associate with Delhi-based Forum for Biotechnology and Food Security.
7. Chandrashekhar Sahu: Mr. Chandrashekhar Sahu is Minister of Agriculture,
Husbandry, Fisheries and Labour Department, Government of Chhattisgarh.
8. Nalini Kant Thakur: Mr. Nalini Kant is a social activist skilled in action-based
research and is an expert on cultural practices, traditional knowledge system and
disaster management.
9. Mr. Nikhil Agrawal: Mr. Agrawal is a CDM Consultant and Director of Delhi
based Trius Consultancy.
10. Ont Thanvi: Om Thanvi is a writer and senior editor of Hindi daily Jansatta.
Fie is Secretary General of Editors Guild of India. Om Thanvi is a recipient of
the prestigious Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award and Haldi-Ghati Award for
Journalism, constituted by the Mewar Foundation, Udaipur.
29
Action Against Climate Change
11. Panachand Jain: Justice Jain retired as judge of the Rajasthan High Court. He
is a legal writer par excellence and his articles on various legal and social issues
have found place in various leading law journals and magazines over the last 15
years. He has also led an international People's Tribunal on Eviction of Peasants in
Singur, Nandigram and other areas in West Bengal.
12. Prakash Chand Chhangani: Mr. Chhangani is Hydrologist by education and a
political activist from Phalodi Assembly Constituency (Jodhpur District).
13. Puma Singh Ranva: Mr. Puran Singh is a farmer from Rajasthan interested in
the issues of environment and climate change.
14. Seemantinee Shashank Khot: Ms. Seemantinee Khot is head of Corporate
Social Responsibility at Suzlon Energy Limited. She has a long experience of
working at the grassroots level on various issues of environment and community
development.
15. Sharad Joshi: Mr. Joshi is the founder member and Secretary of the Centre for
Community Economics and Development Consultants Society (CECOEDECON),
and has been engaged in diversified social development activities at national and
international levels for more than two decades.
16. Soutnya Dutta: Mr. Dutta is the National Organising Secretary of Bharat Jan
(Gyan) Vigyan Jatha which came into existence as a result of the felt need of a
people-centric scientific organisation, emerging from a very large scale campaign
started in 1992 with core support from National Council for Science and Technology
Communication (NCSTC).
17. Tej Singh Bhandari: Mr. Bhandari is a grassroots activists and founder member
of Uttaranchal Development Institute working on the issues of food security,
livelihood and trafficking in Indo-Nepal border areas.
18. Vijay Pratap: Mr. Vijay Pratap is Convenor of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam/
World Social Forum India and founding member of Lokayan and SADED (South
Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy).
19. Vinod Koshti: Mr. Koshti is a research scholar at Delhi School of Social Work,
University of Delhi. He is presently working with PAIRVI as an independent
consultant on issues of food security and livelihood rights.
20. Vivekanand Pandey Vitnal: Mr. Vimal is an independent researcher and film
maker. He is at present associated with CECOEDECON and has widely travelled in
Rajasthan to document the impact of Climate change from farmer7s perspective.
30
‘Uimate change leads to extreme temperatures'
consensus on India's position in the
Dipannfta Das I tnn
uue: Climate change has led to ex-
Copenhagen climate meet to be held
level will submerge 576,400hectares of
land in India and 71 lakh people will
in global mean temperature will lead
to hunger, malaria, floods and water
in December.
have to migrate inland. It will reduce
shortage, he said. With the rise in sea
-nrue difference in tern pent lures, said
.ilkund Ghare, geologist and envi-
Between 1980 and 2000, flood-prone
Mumbai's financial turnover by Rs 228
level there will be an increase in ero
areas in the country havedoubled, he
crore, while the average reduction in
sion. loss of coastal wetlands and cold
Timentalisl Extreme cold in the coun-
said. But, flood control measures have
precipitation will be 7%, average rise
and heat-related health problems.
• Ihas affected crops like potato, brin-
been ineffective. Before 1970, the flood-
in temperahire 2 degrees and the fall
cand tomato, while mango produc-
prone areas were Bihar, West Bengal,
in agri production 12^%.
About dealing with the effects a
climate change, Ghare said: “We havr
no was reduced due to heat, he added.
Orissa and Assam. After 1970, Andhra
On atmospheric changes, Ghgre
to do it ourselves (harvest roof water:
OGhare was sharing his views on the
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maha
said there has been an increase in glob
do it together (eat study in one room)
ppact of climate change on the side-
rashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and
al mean air temperature and that glob
He added suggested capacity util Isa
res of a state-level consultation to
Gujarat are also witnessing floods.
al surface warming and global mean
(ion of washing machines and refrig
sea level will rise further The increase
enters and using solar heaters.
sate awareness and to have a national
Ghare said a one-metre rise in sea
3ublic hearing on
Jaipur team
dimate change
OtLKI
THE HINDU • MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009
F" Correspondent
illlveShlndustantlmes.com
”ople from grassroots level
com 11 states will get together
nr a public hearing on climate
nange and its impact Organised
W Oxfam India, the hearing will
ee held at OTA campus on
Wednesday.
More than 300 people’s repeesentatives and networks
■ncluding Jaipur-based NGO
"ECODECON will take part.
i'ury members include envi•onmentalists and individuals
working for ecology conservaion like Arun Kumar, CK
Ganguly, Kamla Bhasin, Om
have already taken place in five
different agro climate zones.
Aditi Kapoor an Oxfam India
Economic Justice lead special
ist said that the jury will com
pile a report after listening to
the hearing.
It would be shared through
offline and online media at the
Summit on Climate change at
Copenhagen this December. A
final national hearing at New
Delhi from November 11-13 will
also discuss these problems.
Vijay Pratap, convenor, pub
lic hearing said that effects of
climate change spare none and
worst hit are the poor who have
limited resources and capaci
ty tn rpsnond or adapt to the
sixth public hearing on
dimate change today
iccial Correspondent
I PUR: The sixth regional
blic hearing on climate
ange here on Wednesday
11 record the grassroots
ices and testimonies of
□pic from the rain-fed and
ought-aflectcd areas of 11
ilcs to find out the visible
pacts of environmental
gradation on the liveli□ds and food security of
all and marginal farmers,
isants and labourers.
rhe event - the sixth in a
ies culminating in a nanal consultation in New
Ihi in the second week of
s month - is expected to
mgthen the process of insion of local agrarian comnitirfl
intn
the
climate
change debate in the run-up
to the Copenhagen Climate
Summit in December.
Previous meetings
Five public hearings have
been organised in different
agro-climatic zones of the
country so far to inform the
international actors of the
impact of global warming on
poor people in the developing
countries who had very little
contribution
in
climate
change.
Vijay Pratap Singh of New
Delhi-based Lokayan said
here on Tuesday that the sc
ries formed part of the civil
society initiative to draw the
policy-makers* attention to
the need to protect the in
terests Of the nnnr
ginaliscd sections during the
deal in Copenhagen.
Sharad Joshi of the Centre
for Community Economics
and Development Consult
ants’ Society - the host in Jai
pur on behalf of Oxfam-India
- said the public hearing
would also generate demands
for appropriate action and
policies to support people in
adapting to the impending
consequences
of climate
change.
The public hearing, likely
to be attended by about 300
people, will focus on the im
pact of climate change on
agriculture, food and water
security, livelihoods, biodi
versity. natural resources,
health,
poverty
and
leaves for
Copenhagen
It includes farmers, activists
Special Correspondent
JAIPUR: A 20-member delega
tion comprising farmers, ac
tivists, policy-makers and
ecological experts left here on
Sunday for Copenhagen un
der the banner, ‘Beyond Co
penhagen.- Collective action
on climate change", to take
part in the side events at the
U.N. Climate Summit begin-
The members of the deiegation will provide their in
puts for a new package likely
to be evolved at the summit to
combat global warming.
The Jaipur delegation will
organise a side event on the
theme, “Why agriculture
must be focused In climate
change negotiations’, at Co
penhagen this coming Friday.
Several Indian experts of in
ternational repute will ad
dress the event.
Group of experts
QH^dd here that the climatc campaign launched by a
committed group of experts
had mobilised over SO nongovernment and civil society
organisations in the country
along with a large number of’
public actors while gathering
substantial insights in miti
gation and adaptation that
would be critical for the
future
The campaign undertaken
during the past few mon11w
• To organise a side
event on 'Why
agriculture must be
focused In climate
change talks'
• The delegation
members trill
Interact with official
negotiators In the
Danish Capital
involved a wide range o.
stakeholders, who attended s
scries of regional consulta
tions, workshops and publii
hearings in Rajasthan. Mah
arashtra. Bihar and Jhark.
hand while sharing thei
stories on how clinuit*
change and its ramification.
had affected their lives, livehi
hoods, economy and culture.
After covering diffcreni
agro-climatic zones of th
country, the campaign culmi
nated at a national publi
hearing in New Delhi the
past month.
tion members would intcrac
with the official negotiators a
Copenhagen during the nea
two weeks and try to find
way for cutting the green
house emissions blamed fc
the rise in the average glob;
temperatures observed in ths
recent decades.
The members of the dels
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