Climate adaptation is a dynamic and complex process. This includes risk assessment, adaptation planning, implementation, and monitoring at different scales. Adaptation strategies vary according to specific types of climate hazards, geographical scales, and time frames. However, limited knowledge while dealing with several uncertainties is a major challenge. CSTEP's scientific strategies can help policymakers design and prioritise adaptation measures to meet our climate agenda.
Urbanisation, sewage, microplastics: Why many Indian wetlands are under threat
Approximately 4.86% of India’s land area is covered by wetlands – ecosystems that are often referred to as the “Earth’s kidneys” because they are crucial for maintaining an ecological balance. However, many of India’s wetlands are under threat due to urbanisation, domestic and industrial pollution, and unscientific land-use practices. Urban wetlands in major cities are particularly at a high risk due to rapid urbanisation and unchecked discharges from nearby dumpsites or sewage.
District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework
Climate change is a reality and a formidable challenge globally and in India. Across the world, there has been a rise in extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The severity and frequency of these extreme events are projected to escalate in the coming years (IPCC, 2022). These events not only endanger natural ecosystems but also pose substantial risks to human systems. However, it is crucial to recognise that the distribution of the impact of climate change is not equal across the world.
Coordinator - Climate Resilient Cell
The Climate Resilient Cell Coordinator will be the primary point of contact and will work closely with project teams, stakeholders, line departments, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and community members. The incumbent will coordinate with the Climate Support Cell (CSC), Government of Odisha, and ensure that project activities and outputs are aligned with the state’s overall goals and objectives.
Employing GIS in Climate Risk Assessment for Adaptation
CSTEP organised a webinar to deepen the understanding of geographic information system (GIS) technology and its role in informed decision-making for adapting to climate change. The webinar explored how GIS is changing climate risk analysis and providing information for formulating adaptation strategies.
Climate Finance & Carbon Market Expert
The climate finance and carbon market specialist would be primarily responsible for providing technical expertise and support in identifying, accessing, and mobilising climate finance resources, and exploring carbon market opportunities in the agriculture sector.
Mapping the resilience of renewable energy systems and assets in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan to extreme weather events
Climate hazards such as droughts, flood, and cyclones are becoming more severe and frequent, posing a threat to the resilience of renewable energy. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India, in collaboration with the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), conducted a study across four states in India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan) with a high percentage of wind and solar energy infrastructure. The study employed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 5 (AR5) risk assessment framework.
Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in coastal urban areas
CSTEP is developing a comprehensive Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Feasibility Framework to enhance urban resilience against climate risks such as flooding, heatwaves, and storms. This project targets Chennai and Mangaluru, two cities at the opposite ends of the urbanisation spectrum. While Chennai, a densely urbanised metropolis, requires large-scale NbS interventions to address its severe climate risks, Mangaluru, a rapidly growing city, offers an opportunity to embed NbS early in its development to protect natural ecosystems.
Compendium: Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in coastal urban areas
Coastal urban ecosystems are under siege from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and environmental degradation. These escalating pressures threaten the sustainability, resilience, and well-being of communities in these regions. Despite the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to combat these issues, their integration into urban planning and policy frameworks remains lacking owing to a persistent knowledge gap and ambiguity surrounding NbS concepts.