In keeping with the IPCC report on developing adaptation and mitigation policies, Kerala state action plan on https://exam.pscnotes.com/Climate-change”>Climate Change (2023-30) has initiated anticipatory action to deal with future risks. The action plan has put the focus on reducing vulnerability and exposure to the present climate variability and its impact on the natural ecosystem and socio-Economic Systems as a coastal state.
The 187-page document proposed to prioritize the hotspot districts for Investment and develop targeted interventions to lower sensitivity and build adaptive capacity. It has proposed mitigation strategies estimated at Rs 52,238 crore and the adaptation outlay is Rs 38,407 crore. The states share is estimated at 5%, and the central governments share at 23% while the remaining will be the consumers share.
Kerala is the fifth-least greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting state in India. It calculates that emissions from energy sectors, which account for 80% of the emissions, had seen a growing trendincreasing at a compounded annual Growth rate of 5.5% between 2005 and 2015. Within the Energy sector, transport (54%) was the highest contributor to GHG emissions, followed by buildings (21%).
Using 17 indicators, a composite vulnerability index (CVI) was developed in which the top eight factors, namely Population density, BPL, inherently-sensitive groups like below 6 years, above 65 years and disabled persons, air, water, groundwater, Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture and communicable diseases, were categorized as sensitive.
Wayanad was ranked the most vulnerable in the state. Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kannur, Malappuram, and Kollam are the other highly-vulnerable districts. Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram are the medium vulnerable districts. Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts are classified as having a low vulnerability, with Pathanamthitta having the least vulnerability.
The vulnerable districts have high disease prevalence, a large population of very young, very old, and differently-abled, and reduced availability of healthcare facilities and relief shelters. In most districts, insufficient Irrigation coverage and poor groundwater/surface water quality are fuelling the decline in adaptive capacity.
An entire paradigm shift to alternative energy sources has been proposed by 2030 including increasing RE-installed capacity to 3.46 GW. A higher share of EVs in public transport and intermediate public transport, increased installation of solar based and energy efficient agricultural supports and improving the Energy Efficiency of Non- PAT (perform, achieve and trade) industries and Micro, Small and Medium enterprises.