TNSCCC

            Formulation of SAPCCs has been an important milestone in developing domestic policies around climate change in India and are the guiding document for planning climate change actions for all the states. The State of Tamil Nadu prepared its state action plan on climate change in 2012-13. Climate change projections for Tamil Nadu indicates that the maximum temperature increase of 1.0, 2.2 and 3.1 °C is expected for the periods 2020s (2005–2035), 2050s (2035–2065) and 2080s (2065–2095), respectively, with respect to baseline period (1970–2000). Similarly, the projections of minimum temperature show an increase of 1.1, 2.4 and 3.5 °C, respectively. This increasing trend is statistically significant. The annual rainfall projections for the same periods indicate a general decrease in rainfall of about 2–7, 1–4 and 4–9 %, respectively with increase in frequency of extreme events such as droughts and floods (Bal et. al. 2016). This has significant impact on rainfed areas of state and natural resources.

As per Nationally determined Contribution (NDC) and Paris agreement which is aiming to strengthen the global response to threat of climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty by -

• Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change
• Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production
• Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

During the SAPCC (2010- 2015), Tamil Nadu has already identified various vulnerable areas which has shown a negative impact due to climate change like experiencing intense rainfall, flood risk, rise in sea level, Costal Erosion, vulnerability in agriculture sector, forest degradation and increase in vector borne disease etc.

In view of the advancement in science, evolving climate policy context- both nationally and internationally such as NDC and other priorities of the government, SAPCCs need to be revised and strengthened further. India has submitted its commitment for post 2020 action through the NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions). Therefore, climate actions identified under SAPCCs need to be synergised with India NDCs; In addition, SAPCCs need to be strengthened with latest scientific assessments and projections that are available along with prioritised climate action. Subsequently, it is crucial to identify capacity needs for adaptation planning, implementation and M&E towards achieving the targets effectively. Considering this need Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has requested all states to revise their SAPCC to keep up with the latest commitments at national and international level and government priorities.

Objective

The objective of this phase of climate change action plan is to identify the vulnerable areas and to address the drivers of climate change taking in to consideration the existing and future challenges that can help the nation in meeting the INDC commitment.

Key guiding principles

• Incorporate updated information on climate science
• Alignment with NDC goals on mitigation and adaptation
• Mainstreaming climate change into sectoral development schemes, plans and programmes
• Update priorities for climate action at state level while creating enabling environment for NDCs/ NAPCC/SDGs/ Sendai Framework
• Strengthening the governance and institutional arrangements to achieve the climate goals at the state level
• Focus on capcity development, knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation