Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 2.0: Charting a Path Towards Sustainability

The recently concluded Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 2.0, held over two days, served as a vital platform for stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate and strategize on addressing the critical challenge of climate change. This report offers a comprehensive overview of the summit's key themes, discussions, and takeaways.

Day 1: Sharing Best Practices and Charting the Course

The first day of the summit focused on fostering knowledge exchange and setting the stage for future action. Sessions explored successful climate initiatives already underway in Tamil Nadu, highlighting their potential for wider adoption. This included discussions on:

• TN Fish Net Initiative: This program tackles plastic pollution in the oceans by collecting and upcycling discarded fishing nets.

• Green indexing of cities and industries: This initiative promotes sustainable practices by establishing a framework for evaluating environmental performance.

• Microforest creation: This program aims to increase green cover in urban and semi-urban areas by planting small, densely populated forests.

• E-waste management: The summit explored strategies for responsible e-waste disposal and establishing a circular economy for the sector.

A crucial outcome of Day 1 was the launch of the state's greenhouse gas inventory. This report, jointly published by the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company and the Council for Environment, Energy and Water (CEEW), revealed a significant increase in emissions of 84% between 2005 and 2019. This data is essential for charting a course towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring a significant transformation across diverse sectors like energy, industry, agriculture, and waste management. Similarly, the Work Bank and the Government of Tamil Nadu presented the baseline study on the Climate Literacy Model.

Day 2: Accelerating Action and Building Partnerships

The second day delved deeper into specific action areas and fostered partnerships for collective action. Key discussions included:

• Sustainable food systems: Experts emphasized the importance of "going global, eating local" to minimize carbon footprint and promote healthy food choices. This includes reviving native millets and adopting traditional fasting practices known for their nutritional benefits.

• Renewable energy transition: The summit explored strategies for accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, critical for achieving net-zero emissions. Regulatory frameworks that incentivize charging electric vehicles during off-peak hours were also discussed.

• Carbon credits and finance: The summit explored the complexities of carbon credit policies and the challenges and opportunities associated with climate finance. Discussions highlighted India's focus on "green carbon markets" that reward projects with biodiversity benefits.

• Circular economy: Experts explored the potential of the circular economy in reducing waste and achieving carbon neutrality in cities. This included discussions on responsible waste management practices and resource recovery.

Flagship Missions and International Collaboration

The summit witnessed the launch of four key missions aimed at tackling specific climate challenges:

• Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission: This mission focuses on developing and implementing strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

• Green TN Mission: This mission aims to increase forest cover, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and conserve biodiversity.

• TN Wetlands Mission: This mission focuses on restoring and protecting wetlands, recognizing their vital role in ecological balance and water security.

• TN Coastal Restoration Mission: This mission aims to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable coastal development.

Furthermore, the summit marked a significant step towards international collaboration with the signing of a Letter of Intent between ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company. This collaboration paves the way for knowledge sharing and joint efforts towards achieving global climate goals.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Sustainability

The Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 2.0 served as a testament to the state's unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. The summit's outcomes provide valuable insights and pave the way for continued progress towards achieving the state's ambitious climate goals. Key takeaways from the summit include:

• A commitment to significant emission reductions, aiming for a 24% reduction by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

• A comprehensive strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, including renewable energy deployment, sustainable land management practices, and community engagement.

• Recognition of the importance of collaboration with national and international partners to mobilize resources and expertise for tackling this global challenge.

• We have 500 MT of emissions from industrialization and the benefits of carbon projects will help us and the next generation. It has been 35 years since the Kyoto Protocol and that's how carbon projects help develop, design, implement projects, and grow the carbon markets. ProClime has pledged $60 million for carbon projects across Tamil Nadu.

The summit serves as a catalyst for continued action and collaboration, paving the way for a more sustainable future for Tamil Nadu and contributing to global efforts in addressing climate change.