Government of Arunachal Pradesh came up with a "Climate Change Management Mission - 2047" designed to contribute to global efforts to minimize and mitigate climate change.

As outlined in the State Environmental and Forestry Department's mission, its goals to be achieved in the next two decades include water conservation, habitats, agriculture and forestry, disaster management, energy and transport, waste management and health.  It is envisioned to achieve climate regulation, an increase in carbon sinks and a decrease in CO2 emissions, a new green cover, ecological restoration, germplasm conservation, improved livelihood options, improved healthcare and increased water security.

Climate regulation goals include increasing carbon sinks and reducing CO2 emissions, increasing green cover, improving livelihoods, water security, and better educating the local community about climate change.

On Tuesday, during the 7th e-Pragati meeting, chief minister Pema Khandu announced that Arunachal Pradesh and its extensive forests are of particular importance in fighting climate change and global warming.

“Human activities have increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, driving up temperatures. Extreme weather and melting glaciers are being witnessed which are a threat to all forms of life on earth. We cannot sit idle on it,” Khandu declared.

Records indicate that in the past 40 years, Arunachal's annual mean temperature has increased by 0.05 degrees Celsius each year, meaning that it has increased by 0.59 degrees Celsius in total.

“Further, during the period from 1980 to 2019, a significant decreasing trend in southwest monsoon rainfall and also in annual rainfall has been observed, along with an increase in dry spells and decrease in rainy days,” the release stated.

“Human activities have increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, driving up temperatures. Extreme weather and melting glaciers are being witnessed, which are a threat to all forms of life on earth. We can’t sit idle on it,” Khandu added.

Other issues and projects reviewed during the meeting included the release of funds by the Centre, expenditure and status of utilization certificates for centrally sponsored schemes, Prime Minister’s Awas Yojna (PMAY), RURBAN scheme, pending hydro projects, land acquisition for Hollongi Greenfield Airport and advance landing grounds, installation of 4G telecommunication towers, development of Parashuram Kund, Miao-Vijaynagar road, etc.

In an announcement, the chief minister informed that the next cabinet meeting, on Thursday, will be entirely devoted to climate change, and that the department should submit the detailed Climate Change Management Mission- 2047 document for that purpose.

Image source: Arunachal 24