Gather 'round, and let me weave a tale of a remarkable journey that unfolded in the crisp embrace of December – the International Summer School on Climate Change. This enchanting odyssey, a collaborative masterpiece by KAS RECAP, the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), and Kathmandu University, commenced its transformative magic on December 4, 2023. Set against the captivating landscapes of South Asia, this intellectual escapade drew together a diverse cohort of young minds hungry to unravel the complexities of climate adaptation and disaster management.
As I stepped into the week-long sojourn, the corridors echoed with a palpable sense of purpose. The summer school's mission was clear – empowering youth across South Asian countries and beckoning researchers and students to explore the urgent climate change issues. Nepal, our gracious host, provided the perfect canvas for an immersive journey into the world of climate adaptation.
While theoretical discussions proved enlightening, the true enchantment unfolded during our field visits. Wandering through Nepal's delicate ecosystems, we became witnesses to the impact of hydro-meteorological disasters on local communities. The resilient spirit of these communities narrated stories of adaptation and survival.
With each passing day, I realised I wasn't merely learning about climate adaptation; I was living it. The summer school transformed into a catalyst for change, a platform where theoretical knowledge metamorphosed into practical wisdom. It was about more than just comprehending the challenges but actively participating in the solutions.
Wildfires and flash floods intertwine in a concerning symbiosis in the majestic Himalayas, where nature's grandeur dances with the harsh realities of climate change. Between 2001 and 2021, over 35,000 hectares of vital tree cover succumbed to wildfires across Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan, marking a 1.4% increase in burned forest area from 2011 to 2020.
Bhutan, cradled in the Southern Himalayas, emerges as a global exemplar of environmental conservation. Encompassing 3,839,400 hectares, with 71% under lush forest cover, it surpasses its constitutional mandate of 60% perpetual forest cover. This commitment, coupled with robust efforts, nurtures extraordinary biodiversity, hosting rare flora and fauna. Enshrined in the constitution, Bhutan's dedication to environmental stewardship is mirrored in policies like the Forest and Nature Conservation Act. Challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and habitat degradation persist, necessitating a comprehensive approach. An intriguing revelation from Bhutanese delegates is the concept of community forestry.
Initiated in 2000, community forestry in Bhutan unfolds as a tale of progress with 36 approved community forests covering 2,914 hectares, managed by 1,664 households. Despite initial scepticism, the program aligns with Bhutan's goal of maintaining 60% forest cover, actively contributing to water source protection and economic impacts through timber and non-timber forest products. Bhutan, navigating challenges, remains committed to combining traditional wisdom with innovative solutions, safeguarding its pristine environment for future generations.
Our journey delved into the devastating flood in Pakistan in 2022. Panel discussions unveiled that the country embarked on a transformative journey with the approval of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in July 2023. Spearheaded by the then-climate change minister Sherry Rehman, this strategic initiative aimed to confront the pressing challenges of climate change, painting a vision of a climate-resilient Pakistan. At its core were initiatives designed to empower local communities through creating green jobs, developing sustainable infrastructure, infusion of technology and innovation, and fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society.
Yet, this ground-breaking plan faced scrutiny. Critics raised concerns about the need for concrete actions and a clear financial strategy. The reliance on foreign funds, while assumed, needed more clarity on specific financing mechanisms, inviting scepticism. Despite positive intent, some argued that the NAP seemed to traverse familiar territory, echoing sentiments of past policies without introducing substantial advancements.
In tandem with Pakistan's climate initiatives, Nepal confronts significant challenges climate change poses. Recent developments reveal that approximately 40% of Nepal's geographical expanse is shrouded in forests, serving as a crucial resource base for the country's population. With over 80% of Nepalese relying on these forests for daily needs and livelihoods, including fuelwood, timber, and grazing, the nation faces a pressing issue – recurrent and severe forest fires.
Recognising the pressing need to address the challenge of recurrent and severe forest fires, Nepal has taken proactive measures. While exploring such initiatives, we visited the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). ICIMOD has pioneered an innovative forest fire identification and monitoring tool in collaboration with the Government of Nepal. This web-based portal, launched as a joint initiative, provides real-time information on forest fire incidents, offering a comprehensive overview of historical and current occurrences.
The tool is a powerful asset for decision-makers, as it maps forest fire risks, identifies fire-prone zones, and assesses damages using sophisticated mathematical formulations. Its successful implementation has earned acclaim from authorities such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The portal's integration with NASA's satellite data enables active fire monitoring and risk assessment, significantly enhancing preparedness and responses during forest fire incidents.
Engaged in group work with diverse teams, we collectively grasped the imperative of addressing climate change as a transnational crisis. This realisation stemmed from the intensified climatic upheavals driven by accelerated water cycles and extreme weather patterns. Despite historical geopolitical tensions, the shared vulnerability to climate impacts presents a unique opportunity for nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to collaborate. Beyond geopolitical considerations, the urgent sharing of information, data, and best practices at local and provincial levels is essential.
Establishing stable, institutionalised mechanisms for collaboration led by municipalities and communities is crucial in collectively addressing climate challenges. This holistic approach encompasses upstream countries sharing river flow data, entering into comprehensive water treaties, and undertaking transformative agricultural shifts. A particularly ambitious proposal involves the creation of a region-wide renewable energy grid, holding the potential for economic, ecological, and energy miracles.
Amidst the dual crises of public health and climate change, existing frameworks like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) encounter limitations in fostering effective collaboration. The pressing need for a green recovery and a transition to sustainable systems necessitates immediate, coordinated efforts. The recent climate-induced catastrophes in South Asia, ranging from Pakistan's devastating floods to India's dual onslaught of drought and flooding, underscore the crucial requirement for regional cooperation.
On December 11, 2023, as the summer school concluded, I didn't merely carry memories but a renewed sense of purpose. Empowered with insights and experiences, I stepped into the world, ready to contribute to the ongoing climate resilience and adaptation efforts. The story of my December adventure wasn't just a chapter; it was the prologue to a journey of lifelong learning and commitment to the planet we call home.
The writer is UNV Research Associate at UNDP
