Climate Change and Energy Programme

Introduction
The Climate Change and Energy Programme, since its inception in 2003, has been involved in addressing issues and finding solutions related to climate impacts in the country. The goal of the programme is to mainstream “Climate Smart” social and economic growth in the developmental planning process of the country. The programme has evolved following an in-depth assessment of the country situation, regional and global positioning. The vision of the programme compliments the broader mission of the WWF-India. The programme works towards promoting the need for following a sustainable development path which will lead to a minimal increase in environmental footprints of the current generation and help in securing the future of the country’s people and its biodiversity.

Background
Since 19th century, through the advent of industrial revolution the increased emissions of various Green House Gasses (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFC, PFC & SF₆) in the atmosphere has raised their concentration at an alarming rate, causing the abnormal increase of earth’s average temperature. This change brought about in the last 200 years is unique in the planet’s paleo-climatic history. The scientists have confirmed with a high degree of certainty that the recent trend in global average temperatures is not a normal phenomenon. Its roots are to be found in the unprecedented industrial growth witnessed by the world economy.

Climate change is changing the face of our planet, literally. Glaciers are receding. Arctic ice is thinning. Coral reefs are bleaching. Sea levels are rising. The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing. Unique and endangered species are under threat of losing their traditional habitats to changing climate patterns. The food, habitat and energy security of peoples around the world is at risk. While there are growing evidence of such impacts in India, one of WWF India’s core objective is to continue generating better understanding of the impacts of the climate change and develop a National Adaptation Framework for Ecological Security. The objective is to go beyond framework and set-up pilot Adaptation projects by 2012.

Facilitating transition towards a low carbon economy is one of our greatest challenge in WWF India, and also our greatest ambition. Our programme is designed to work with stakeholders in the government and regulatory agencies and engagement with businesses and industry to catalyze actions on Carbon Markets. WWF India is working with Indian industry under the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), for voluntary carbon disclosure.

It is widely agreed that a rise of more than 2^◦C will be looking at dangerous Climate Change Impacts which will pose a serious question of survival for the fragile ecosystems and humanity. WWF India is working on concerted lobbying of governments and business across key national and international forum to generate the momentum and political will needed to secure a global post-2012 agreement and fostering bilateral and international co-operation around the key agreement elements and mechanism.

Programme Goal
“A paradigm shift towards “Climate Smart” development by 2017”

The programme has methodically selected its objectives to address the larger mission:

• Generate better Understanding of Climate Impacts in at least four vulnerable ecosystems to develop response mechanism
• By 2009 develop a National Adaptation Framework for Ecological Security and initiate Pilot projects in selected sites by 2012
• By 2012 facilitate transition to a Low Carbon Economy by working with key Government agencies and Industry for promoting responsible use of energy and a Carbon Market that promotes clean energy investment
• Build Capacity of key Stakeholders and create a National Network to engage in the post-2012 Policy Framework by 2010/11