Parallel Session

The Role of Subnational Policies in Meeting the Climate Change Challenge – Learnings from Karnataka’s SAPCC

Climate change poses a significant global challenge, necessitating coordinated actions at all levels of governance. While national policies establish the overarching framework, subnational policies and initiatives play a crucial role in translating these goals into tangible outcomes on the ground. Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change (KSAPCC) serves as a noteworthy example of this paradigm, demonstrating how localised strategies can effectively address regional climate vulnerabilities while aligning with broader national and international climate goals.
This parallel session will focus on the critical role of subnational policies in combating climate change, focusing on Karnataka’s SAPCC as a case study. The session will highlight key achievements, challenges, and lessons learnt during the plan's implementation. Participants will gain insights into:

• Innovative Approaches: How SAPACC integrates region-specific climate adaptation strategies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: The role of government agencies, civil society, and local communities in ensuring effective policy execution.
• Policy Impact: Measurable outcomes in mitigating climate risks and enhancing resilience in vulnerable sectors.
• Scaling Up: Opportunities for replicating Karnataka’s successes in other regions.

Through presentations, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue, this session aims to provide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with actionable takeaways. By sharing learnings from Karnataka, the session will underline the importance of subnational leadership in addressing the global climate crisis..

Speakers

Key Recommendations from the Session

• Enhance transparency in ESG reporting: Implement mandatory public funding disclosures under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting systems to increase accountability and transparency in climate actions.
• Educational Initiatives: Strengthen environmental education and awareness programmes, such as eco-clubs and youth-focused initiatives (e.g., Bal Urja Rakshak Dal), to engage communities in climate action at a grassroots level.
• Expand Successful Initiatives: Scale up programmes such as Karnataka's Carbon Credit programme and Gujarat’s Vibrant Gujarat model in other regions, focusing on collaboration and region-specific solutions for greater impact.
• Promote Collaborative Approaches: Strengthen partnerships between government agencies, stakeholders, and local communities to improve the implementation of climate action programmes and drive impactful change.
• Community-Led Climate Actions: Prioritise local, community-driven climate action through participatory frameworks, such as Climate Smart Villages, and public surveys, incorporating bottom-up approaches to ensure that ground-level realities are integrated into policy execution.
• Leverage Data for Effective Monitoring: Utilise tools such as the climate change dashboard and public surveys to monitor progress, identify areas needing improvement, and ensure data-driven, community-inclusive climate action planning.

Session Report+