Climate change issues can be addressed effectively through policy responses that have locally relevant solutions.
According to Arabinda Mishra, Adviser and Head, International Cooperation (Bilateral), Department of Science and Technology, such policy responses should also have societal acceptance.
Talking about the correlation between sustainability science and climate change, Mishra said, “Sustainability science and climate change is a new area and is certainly inter-disciplinary.”
Mishra was addressing a session on “Sustainability Science and Climate Change” organised by the Indian Science Congress here on Sunday.
“Policy responses to climate change requires solutions that are locally relevant and has societal acceptance,” he pointed out.
Talking about the various factors leading to climate change, J. Srinivasan, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, IISc, said that aerosols have a significant impact on climate and health.
Aerosols usually refer to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas.
However, its impact is still not very well researched and understood in India. “Hard data and good quality information is still not available on the impact of aerosols on climate and health. The correlation between aerosol-climate, aerosol-health needs to be understood well to help initiate appropriate policy measures to control the same,” Srinivasan said.
National Action Plan
India should focus on the efficient implementation of the National Action Plan on climate change, R. K. Pachauri, Director-General of TERI said.
“India has a National Action Plan on climate change addressing eight areas. We only need to ensure its proper implementation; but I am not sure if that is happening,” he said.