The Hindu : National : “Climate action plan needs to be transparent”

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Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008
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“Climate action plan needs to be transparent”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Civil society groups and environmentalists have expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency in the preparation of the National Climate Action Plan, a critical policy document.

In an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, 27 civil society groups have said no information was shared on the draft plans till date and there had been no process of consultation with civil society or independent scientists, researchers and experts.

“Any major policy defining process has always been open to public debate and consultation. Climate change will define the future of our country’s people, environment and economy. Any policy document that intends to govern the manner in which India addresses this issue should be given adequate space and time for public debate. Such transparency and consultation will also be in keeping with the avowed principles of your government,” it said.

The impacts of global warming and resultant climate change are the biggest environmental threat our planet is facing today. It is now apparent that this is not just an environmental crisis, but a humanitarian crisis as well, the letter said.

Millions of people are going to be displaced not only by inundation of land from rising sea levels but also from flooding, droughts, loss of livelihood and agrarian crisis.

The scale of this displacement is going to be exponentially greater than any we have experienced in the past. People in Orissa, Bengal and Gujarat have already lost their homes to the sea.

Fisheries and agriculture will be hit, affecting the food security of the country and the livelihood of millions dependent on it for their sustenance.

Rivers fed by the Himalayan glaciers are under threat of becoming seasonal rivers with the alarming retreat of the glaciers due to global warming.

In this context, we demand that the draft plan be opened up for public debate, this matter be discussed widely with all stakeholders and a process for regional public consultations be set in place. This will ensure that the resulting document reflects the broader views of the Indian people, and not a few highly placed officials or experts, the letter said.

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