For over 31 years now, the average annual temperature in Meghalaya has recorded an increase by 1 degree celcius even as another increase has been indicated by 2040.
Quoting a study conducted by IIT Gandhinagar’s Water & Climate Lab, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today during a reply to a short-duration discussion on climate change said that warming trend is likely to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides.
He said that the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released in 2023 reveals that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have caused global temperatures to rise by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels.
He said that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. Meghalaya has already witnessed significant climatic changes, including a noticeable rise in temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, which pose serious risks to its environment, economy, and communities, he added.
Stating that Meghalaya has taken proactive steps to enhance the state’s resilience to climate change and to ensure sustainable development, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Meghalaya State Action Plan on Climate Change serves as the cornerstone of the state’s climate strategy.
He said the action plan focuses on integrating climate resilience into the state’s development agenda. It identifies eight priority sectors: Agriculture & Allied Sector, Water Resources, Forest & Biodiversity, Energy, Urban Habitat, Human Health, Tourism, and Disaster Management.He said that the plan includes strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacities, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices.
Tynsong informed the House that the government had introduced the Climate Action Budget as part of the state budget in FY 2022-23 to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The total budget outlay for the fiscal year 2024-2025 under the Climate Action Budget is 4,501 crores, with 3,181 crores allocated to adaptation activities across 12 departments and 1,320 crores earmarked for mitigation efforts spanning seven departments, he said.
He said that Meghalaya has been successful in securing funding for several large-scale External Aided Projects and that the State government has ensured that over 50 per cent of investments from EAPS go into managing and conserving natural resources.
The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned about the State Climate Change Governing Council, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and said this has successfully covered 540 sq km, contributing significantly to forest conservation and biodiversity preservation. Recognizing the success of the initiative, the state government has sanctioned an additional 1,000 sq km under the PES scheme, he added.
He said In addition to conserving the existing forest, the State Government has also undertaken significant afforestation measures. “I am glad to inform you that the State Government has planted over 77 lakh trees in the last 4 years,” he said.
He said that the State is also taking various measures to bring over 1 lakh hectares under the Organic mission FY 2024-25 and promoting renewable energy through the CM Solar Mission – a Rs. 100 Crores scheme aimed at providing sustainable green energy in Meghalaya.
