Climate Change Community

CCoommmmuunniittyy UUppddaattee No. 66: 1st July, 2015

In this Issue

FROM THE RESOURCE PERSON

Dear Members,

We are presenting the 66th Edition of the Community Update, today.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and support to this unique knowledge sharing

platform facilitated by UNDP which has completed six years since its inception on 1st July, 2009.

We seek your inputs on the following query by Centre for Agriculture and Rural

Development (CARD), which focuses on promoting technologies in agriculture related subjects and has been in the forefront of promoting a development paradigm shift

towards climate change and ecological balance. The organisation has been intervening in multiple ways, on issues related to climate and disaster resilient

agriculture and habitat development in rural and urban areas. CARD seeks inputs

from members of Climate Change and Disaster Management Community on the need for innovations in food, nutrition, water and renewable energy security for ensuring

communities resilience to climate change and disasters. Please reply by 15 July 2015. Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) is a national organisation which

since inception has been working in policy advocacy, training of farmers, enterprise development, farmers’ education, best practices in agriculture and horticulture, promotion of technologies. With

multiple interventions, the organisation has set milestones in agriculture policy development through organizing agriculture leadership summits and instituting awards. Through organizing Agri-Tech exhibitions over the years, CARD has brought farmers and

agribusiness leaders, farmers and critical stakeholders together in Uttar Pradesh and several other

states. CARD organised the first Summit on North East Development in 2003 for promoting development of the region as an organic zone and North East Summit in 2015 to recall the

challenges, concerns and the issues involved for accelerating development of the North East Region. While the organisation has been intervening in multiple ways, the concern for climate and disaster resilient agriculture and habitat development in rural and urban areas with food, nutrition, water,

renewable energy security in the face of future energy crisis, possible development of malignant forms of genetically modified organisms and then most importantly for responding to the

decreasing area of cultivation due to expansion of urbanization with resultant decrease in the

area of cultivable land is a critical concern. Considering such a scenario, CARD strongly feels that Protected renewable resource based agro habitat is needed for a nation like India to combat biotic and abiotic stresses prevalent in the

country. The protected structures can be used for twin purpose of food and energy security by

harnessing solar energy on roof top and using the energy for food production and social security.

Also, CARD is cognizant of innovations like protected structures suited for different agro-climatic zones, pressurized and low pressure drip irrigation system, water harvesting, production systems

of vegetables and flowers suited for protected cultivation which are examples of innovations done and tested at Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. CARD in this regard would like to seek inputs from members on the following: Share best practices and innovations in food, nutrition, water and renewable

energy security that could address climate resilient and disaster resilient

protected agriculture habitat designs in the post carbon period? How can the adoption of best practices and innovations in agro-habitat designs

would enable smooth transition to renewable energy supported habitats in

rural areas in the post carbon period?

Your valuable inputs to the above questions would enable us to have a better perspective on existing status of work on climate and disaster resilient agriculture for meeting the food, nutrition,

water and renewable energy security challenges of the future. We look forward to your inputs and insights on the above query as well which has been cross-

posted with the Disaster Management Community.

Thanks & best regards, Ramesh Kumar Jalan

Resource Person & Moderator

Climate Change Community, Solution Exchange-India

United Nations Development Programme, New Delhi

DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT IINN TTHHEE SSEECCTTOORR

India One Solar Thermal Power Project The article is available at : http://www.india-one.net/ .

World Renewal Spiritual Trust (WRST), a registered Charitable Trust / solar research centre and a sister organization of the Brahma Kumaris, is setting up a 1.0 Mw el. solar thermal power plant in

order to demonstrate and multiply this alternative technology for India.

Energy is one of the most important requirements for this world to function properly. Its

availability and regular supply are of paramount interest.

As we are all aware, energy and fuel prices are rising day by day and the negative effects of global warming are more and more visible.

After detailed evaluation of various solar technologies, WRST came to the conclusion to make use of the in-house developed 60m2 Scheffler parabolic dish in order to set up a solar thermal power

plant near its Shantivan Campus in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

For this project, WRST has teamed up with Fraunhofer Institute (ISE) and enjoys the support of

Wolfgang Scheffler. WRST is in close liaison with various solar R&D institutions and manufacturers and has initiated all necessary steps for completion of this project.

The WRST solar team has developed and built a 50/60m2 dish and receiver prototype which has undergone already successful extensive field tests.

The thermal solar power plant (will be the first of its kind in the world in dish

technology in direct steam generation mode, with full thermal storage for 16 hrs

continuous operations for base load.

India asks developed nations to finalise pre-2020 action plan The article is available at: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-05-

18/news/62322864_1_climate-change-clean-technologies-action-plan . India appealed developed countries to present their ambitious pre-2020 action plan to reduce

emissions well before the crucial global climate conference to be held in Paris later this year and pitched for a "balanced and realistic" Paris agreement.

The UN climate conference, to be held in Paris from November 30 to December 11 this year, is

tasked with finalising a global agreement designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing the Sixth Petersberg Climate Dialogue at Berlin, Environment Minister Prakash

Javadekar said: "India has emphasised that developed countries should present their ambitious targets for pre-2020 action and roadmaps for the same, well before Paris (meeting)."

Ambitious pre-2020 actions of developed countries will create the carbon space required for the developing world, as every poor person has the right to equitable access to the atmospheric

resources, he said in a statement issued by the Environment Ministry.

"It will be ironical that we formulate post-2020 architecture without finalising pre-2020 action

plan," he said and suggested the ADP should be directed to come up with the draft decision text on pre-2020 actions. The Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action

(ADP), a subsidiary body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is tasked with drafting climate agreement document.

That apart, India demanded that the Warsaw International mechanism, set up in 2013, for loss

and damage due to climate change should be operationalised by 2016. "This mechanism should

provide for specific commitments from developed country parties and Annex-II parties to provide support for the financing and operationalisation of this mechanism," the Minister said. “If Paris is

to succeed, let us welcome a new beginning where all countries take actions on their own," he added.

The Minister further said that the Paris agreement should be rooted in the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBCRRC) to deal with

climate change.

The agreement should also be equitable and means of implementation should enable the realisation of fair and ambitious goals of development, poverty eradication as well as

climate change, he added.

"The historical context of the constitution of the ADP in 2012 was the urgent need to enhance

action on all aspects of the climate change agenda. We must appreciate this while we move towards the culmination of the ADP process in Paris," he said.

The Minister said the success of forthcoming climate conference would depend if all countries demonstrate their will to tackle the problem. It is important to act with wisdom, understanding

and cooperation.

Use bamboo in sustainable development Bamboo can grow three times faster than trees and could be used for bioenergy. It captures a lot of carbon and can be turned into charcoal and building materials. But to make the most of it

governments must plan their forestry policies well ahead.

The article is available at : http://www.scidev.net/global/sustainability/news/bamboo-sustainable-development-mdg.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=SciDevNewsletter&utm_campaign=international%20SciDev.Net%20update%3A%201%

20June%202015 .

Governments should pay more attention to the role that bamboo and rattan can play in building

more sustainable and greener economies, a pressure group has told a UN meeting.

“Bamboo and rattan are not always seen as tools to deliver on the Sustainable Development

Goals. We believe they bring major opportunities,” the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an intergovernmental group based in Beijing, China, told the UN Forum on

Forests in New York, United States earlier this month.

“Modern bamboo houses are more flexible in an earthquake, as they flex and absorb some of the

energy.”

For example, bamboo can reduce soil erosion and restore degraded lands, and ultimately help protect the livelihoods of people who depend on forest ecosystems. Products derived from the

two plants could also bring income to millions of people in developing countries, the group says.

INBAR, which has 40 member states, called on policymakers to include bamboo and rattan in

their action plans for forest development.

INBAR also presented the Global Assessment of Bamboo and Rattan, an initiative that aims to

exchange knowledge and data about bamboo and rattan. The assessment is expected to be launched at the World Forestry Congress in Durban, South Africa, in September 2015.

Bamboo and rattan grow across much of the developing world, including in many equatorial

countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. They make good alternatives to wood

charcoal and cotton fibres, and bamboo can be burned or used in biogas systems to provide a sustainable source of bio-energy.

Bamboo can grow at a rate of up to one metre per day, and can be harvested for productive use

after 3-7 years, compared with 10-15 years for conventional trees. Hence, using bamboo as a replacement for other wood would lead to fewer trees being cut down for processing, INBAR

says.

“Because bamboo grows quickly it also absorbs carbon quickly, and is what we call a strategic

forest resource in the battle against climate change,” says Hans Friederich, director general of INBAR.

But Ramadhani Achdiawan, a researcher from the Centre for International Forestry Research in

Indonesia, underlines the importance of forest planning for the long term if countries want to use

bamboo and rattan for economic growth. For instance, Achdiawan says that “rattan needs trees to support its growth, so maintaining big trees in forests is very important”.

In its statement, INBAR also told UN representatives about bamboo and rattan’s potential as

construction materials to build strong houses and furniture that will withstand natural disasters.

“The recent terrible earthquake in Nepal has highlighted the need to build better for natural

disasters,” Friederich says. “Modern bamboo houses are more flexible in an earthquake, as they flex and absorb some of the energy.”

As Devastating Heat Wave Bears Down, Indian City Offers Life-Saving Plan

The article is available at : http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/ajaiswal/as_devastating_heat_wave_bears.html .

A deadly heat wave is currently bearing down on communities across India, with devastating

effects on people and livelihoods. The spiking temperatures underscore the need for local heat

adaptation plans and early warning systems to reduce the health effects of heat stress and increase resilience in local communities to rising temperatures. Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan -

South Asia's first early warning system against extreme heat waves - is tailored to help protect the city's vulnerable communities during these disasters.

Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan has been effective at increasing awareness on the dangers of heat

waves and climate change and the need for disaster risk management. Similar heat adaptation

plans could be adopted throughout India to combat the dangerous impacts of these scorching temperatures as other Indian cities and states express interest in replicating Ahmedabad's

groundbreaking program - and these efforts take on greater urgency as climate change increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves across the country and around the globe.

Extreme heat can take a significant toll on all aspects of day-to-day life, making tasks like cooking indoors or working construction harmful to your health or even deadly - in fact, a historic heat

wave in Ahmedabad in 2010 was estimated to cause 1,300 excess deaths. Heat affects people through dehydration, acute heat illnesses (such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke), and the

worsening of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Extreme heat, like many impacts of

climate change, can have a disproportionate impact on the poor. A vulnerability assessment performed in Ahmedabad showed that poor residents of slum communities are more exposed to

extreme heat, more susceptible to the health impacts of extreme heat, and generally lack opportunities to adapt to increasing temperatures.

Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan has a four-pronged approach to reduce heat-related health

impacts and mortality:

Building public awareness and community outreach to communicate the risks of heat waves

and implement practices to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. This includes disseminating public messages on how to protect people against extreme heat through inter-

personal contact, traditional media outlets and modern mediums such as WhatsApp, and informational materials such as pamphlets and advertisements on heat stress prevention.

Initiating an early warning system and inter-agency coordination to alert residents of

predicted high and extreme temperatures. The AMC has created formal communication

channels to alert governmental agencies, the meteorological department, health officials and hospitals, emergency responders, local community groups, and media outlets of forecasted

extreme temperatures. Capacity building among health care professionals to recognize and respond to heat-related

illnesses, particularly during extreme heat events. These strategies are paired with straight-

forward measures like stocking emergency rooms and ambulances with ice packs. Reducing heat exposure and promoting adaptive measures by launching new efforts including

mapping of high-risk areas of the city, increasing outreach and communication on prevention

methods, access to increased potable drinking water stations and cooling spaces during extreme heat days.

During the historic May 2010 heat wave in Ahmedabad, temperatures spiked at over 46°C and an estimated 1,300 excess deaths resulted. In response, the local government, the Ahmedabad

Municipal Corporation (AMC), led as the first Indian city to create a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events in 2013.

The Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Public Health Foundation of India

(PHFI), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,

Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology partnered with the AMC to craft and put this pioneering heat adaptation plan into action to protect people,

which was recently expanded ahead of the 2015 heat season.

This successful effort is now expanding outside of Ahmedabad. After we held a country-wide

workshop in Ahmedabad with interested governments in April, the city of Nagpur's municipal government organized a two-day workshop in early May, with support from IIPH-G and NRDC, to

craft their own life-saving heat action plan.

Scientists have been ringing the warning bell that higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. As

average temperatures across India have increased over the last decade and with 2015

threatening to be even hotter globally than 2014, the current hottest year on record, these soaring temperatures will continue to threaten people's lives, lead to droughts and other serious

impacts.

These and other predictions for the future escalate the urgent need for targeted policy

interventions and expanded public outreach in vulnerable communities to reduce the devastating health effects of heat stress in India and increase resilience in local communities to rising

temperatures. Local, on-the-ground climate preparedness actions, like Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan, are crucial in the global fight against climate change.

Announcements

Inviting Industries, Institutions, Commercial establishments, State Nodal Agencies of MNRE, Manufacturers, Entrepreneurs to participate in Awareness Generation & Training Programmes on Concentrating Solar Technologies (CSTs) being organized by World Renewal Spiritual Trust (WRST) at their CST Center at Abu Road established under UNDP-GEF Project of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Keeping in view of the vast experience developed by WRST on Concentrating Solar Technologies

(CSTs), a Training cum Awareness Centre on CSTs has been established at Brahmakumaris’ Ashram, Abu Road under the support from UNDP-GEF CSH Project of Ministry of New &

Renewable Energy, Government of India. The objective of the Center is to create awareness among various groups of stakeholders from industries, institutions & commercial establishments

through seminars/workshops/ demonstrations and generate proposals for installations of CST based systems at their establishments. The Center is also to help improving the capacity building

of CST manufacturers/ entrepreneurs in the area of CST quality especially of mirror reliability/

durability, performance improvements, manufacturing skills, customization off end user products/systems etc.

A number of Awareness Seminars/ Workshops are being organized at the Centre for potential

beneficiaries from industries, institutions & commercial establishments with 20-30 participants in

each seminar for a period of 2 days. In addition, Training Programmes on skill development for the employees/ officials of manufacturers and entrepreneurs with atleast 20 participants in each

for a period of 3 days are also being organized. The programmes are being supported by requisite course material including video films, case studies, manuals demonstration units, audio/ video

presentations, training kits, visits to installations at Abu Road and Mount Abu etc for the benefit of participants.

Calendar of events appearing during the year 2015 are as below:

Awareness Seminars Technology Trainings

01-02 August 2015 28-30 August 2015

21-22 November 2015 23-25 October 2015

19-20 December 2015

The programmes are being organized free of cost with lodging and boarding arranged by WRST

after reaching to the place of event. Registration of participants for a particular programme will be on first cum first basis.

Interested participants in respective programme of their choice may contact Ms. Aneta Loj, Programme In-charge at e-mail: infocshcenter@gmail.com.

The United Nations Secretary-General Message on World Environment Day, 5 June 2015 It is available at : http://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/06/05/WED-2015/ .

The United Nations Secretary-General Message on World Environment Day, 5 June 2015 is given below:

The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is “Seven Billion

Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care”.

The goal of sustainable development is to increase the quality of life for

all people without increasing environmental degradation, and without compromising the resource needs of future generations. We can do

this by shifting our consumption patterns towards goods that use less energy, water and other resources, and by wasting less

food.

In this year of transformation, when we hope to see great advances on sustainable development and climate change, let us celebrate World Environment Day by becoming more

conscious of our ecological impact. Let us think about the environmental consequences of the choices we make. Let us become better stewards of our planet.

Clever Name, Losing Game? How Climate Smart Agriculture is sowing confusion in the food movement; Produced by: ActionAid International (2014) The report is available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/?doc=72829.

This report highlights questions being raised about the concept of ‘climate smart’ agriculture (CSA).

It highlights that a number of industrialised countries, along with a number of agribusiness

corporations, have promoted CSA enthusiastically. But it points out that there is confusion and

debate over what the term really means, what it can achieve, what is new about it, and whether it really can benefit food systems in the face of climate change.

The concerns are highlighted of civil society and farmer organisations that the term can be used

to greenwash agricultural practices that will harm future food production, such as industrial

agriculture practices or soil carbon offsetting.

Some governments and NGOs also worry that pressure to adopt CSA will translate into obligations for developing countries’ food systems to take on an unfair mitigation burden. They point out that

their agricultural systems have contributed the least to the problem, but that mitigation obligations could limit their ability to effectively adapt to the climate challenges ahead.

The report warns that CSA should be approached with caution, as it may serve to greenwash agricultural practices that are known to be harmful to the climate and farmers. It asks the

question: what additional real benefits these new emerging platforms for climate smart agriculture could bring? Saying that the answer is still far from clear.

The report concludes that farmer and civil society organisations must approach CSA with caution, and continue to ask key questions – that the clever name should not distract from inherent power

imbalances, and potential risks to the climate and our food systems.

It recommends that NGOs and governments must avoid opening the door to false

solutions under vague rhetoric; instead they should be specific about mobilizing public finance and supporting genuinely agro-ecological solutions to climate change.

UNDP - INDIA CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.

The United Nations World Environment Day was celebrated at the UN premises on Friday, 5th

June 2015. UNDP had invited all staff members of UN Agencies to participate. The GEF/UNDP Small Grants Programme (SGP), Centre for Environment (CEE) was asked to join hands by putting

up the Green Haat (market place); who invited seven NGO partners to display products focussed to improve sustainability of poor marginalized communities in protected area systems; reduce threats

to biodiversity; and mainstream conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into production

landscapes/seascapes and sectors.

Ms. Marina Walter, Deputy Country Director Marina cut the ribbon to open the Green Haat for the participants. She welcomed and thanked all the NGOs and the staff from UN agencies for

gathering to celebrate the World Environment Day. She emphasized on the need for the

individuals to show the responsibility for saving the environment and to contribute to the protection of the planet. She emphasized on the theme “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet.

Consume with Care”, added to the voice of The United Nations Secretary-General, that, we can do this by shifting our consumption patterns towards goods that use less energy, water and other resources, and by wasting less food. She also added in India

we should spread the message far and wide. She also added we need to focus through the SGP to address the ‘prevailing poverty-deepening environmental degradation’, climate

change, local governance issues, institutional and policy frameworks, etc.

Mr. P.S. Sodhi, Country Programme Manager, GEF/UNDP provided his view-point on the action-

based approach adopted by the GEF/UNDP SGP program at the grass-roots level for the protection of the environment, promoting local institutions largely of women in taking measures

for sustainable consumption and production systems.

Ms. Krishna Bisht from Mahila Haat spoke about the importance to be provided to the Himalayas

which are a source of most of the Indian rivers emanating from it. The need to conserve the forests and using environment-friendly technologies was emphasized by her for protecting the

planet and local resources. She shared that through SGP Mahila Haat are strengthening the local women groups to conserve local resources, process them and link them to markets.

Mr. Nathu Ram from Jagriti, Kullu gave an overview how the women self help groups help in reducing pressure on forests in the Himachal Pradesh and how the natural resources from the

nearby areas are sustainably harvested and linked to local people's livelihood under the GEF/UNDP SGP-supported project.

The smiley-flags with a variety of messages on keeping the environment clean, being sensitive to protect forests, low carbon lifestyles, were handed over to all the

participants for putting up in their offices and on their seats and reminding each one to adopt them in their day to day life.

To commemorate the Day, Mr. Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest

& Climate Change and Marina released a newly developed brochure on the GEF/UNDP SGP

project, Foundation for Ecological Security for “Strengthening Conservation and Livelihood in Kumbhalgarh, in Rajasthan”. He added that over the years, unsustainable practices such as

deforestation, fire and overgrazing have been both cause and consequence of the livelihoods crisis among tribal and rural communities living in and we have to now adopt the community

approaches to protect our natural resources, land and water resources. Focus more through SGP

in checking unsustainable commercial extraction in the protected areas.

The Green Haat was then opened to all present who made brisk purchases to support the work of women self help groups and also displayed environment-friendly products of day-to-day use in

the common households. The participants were in a joyous mood and showed great interest and interacted with the NGO partners to acquaint themselves more with the SGP activities.

The participants kept pouring in throughout the day and the NGOs made a sale of more than Rs.75,000 by the end of the day. Nearly 200 people participated in the the

program.

Environment Tips on Finger Tips. Shift in lifestyle can contribute to environmental conservation. Focusing on individual consumption

practices, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), New Delhi provided environmental conservation tips to save the environment. Small habits to be practiced by an individual are given

below:

Water your lawn during the evening, when it is cooler and dryer. Watering in the

morning, when it is hot and dry, leads to water evaporation. Pick up some gunny/cloth-bags at your local grocery store. Say no to both, “paper” and

“plastic!”

Replace your old light bulbs with energy saving bulbs. Sure, they may cost more money, but you will save on your energy bill in the future and they last longer.

Try shortening your shower by just a minute. You could save 150 gallons/month! Collect rainwater and save it to water your lawn.

UNPLUG unused appliances. Even when powered off, plugged-in appliances use electricity.

Plant trees to shade your home. You can save money on air conditioning.

Buy a stylish ceramic mug for your daily cup of coffee instead of using a disposable cup. Close vents and doors in unused rooms.

Print double-sided. If possible, advocate making your office or school paper-free. Buy used furniture and re-purpose it. You save money and trees (plus, create original

furniture!)

Turn your computer off when you go to sleep. Try a dimmer switch. They’re easy to install and save energy!

Make Your Own: Whenever possible, make your own products to cut down on waste and control the materials used.

Make sure to inflate your tires properly. This preserves the life of the tires, creates a safer

ride, and saves gas. Replace Disposables: Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones

(i.e., razor, food storage, batteries, ink cartridges (buy refill ink), coffee filters, furnace or air conditioner filters, etc.).

Bulk Purchases: Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer

the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins

where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, Repair, Renew, Redress, Reconstitute, Remedy,

Recreate etc. Composting: Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps.

Due to steep rise in construction activities and daily need of water, the natural water resources are becoming deficit of water. Our negligence to the dripping taps, and damaged pipelines also

adds to water losses.

The film “When She was there” threw light on the role of forests in protecting mankind. The film “Waste not Waste” focused on manufacturing manure out of human excreta. Different

types of toilets and methods were shown in the film to convert human faeces and urine into

manure as the wastes are high in nitrogen.

Pope Francis is taking on climate change

We need to applaud Pope Francis for helping to fuel this global dialogue and noting that protecting the Earth should "unite the whole human family Pope Francis underscored our moral obligation to address climate change and its impacts on

communities around the globe. In his encyclical message from the Vatican, the pope made a historic call for action to protect future generations from the dangers of further climate chaos.

By using one of the highest levels of his authority - the encyclical - the pope made climate action

a moral priority for his faith community. The pope's message applies to all of us, regardless of our faith.

We are already paying a high price for rising seas, expanding deserts, blistering heat, withering drought, raging floods, storms and other hallmarks of climate change.

And all too often it is the most vulnerable among us - infants and children, expectant mothers,

the poor, the elderly and the infirm -- that are hurt the worst from the consequences of climate

change.

In his encyclical, Pope Francis reminds us: “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all... Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we

have in the last 200 years.”

On that point, there can be no doubt. Our world is telling us every way it knows how that it's time

to cut the dangerous carbon pollution that's driving climate change.

But for our convictions to have meaning and purpose, they must shape the way we live and drive progress. That's what the pope reminds us this week.

The pope has put before us one of the most profound questions of our time: will we embrace our moral obligation to be responsible stewards of the world?

In the coming weeks, months and years ahead, our actions will determine whether our children

inherit a world that's redeemed by our commitment to get this right or condemned by our failure

to act.

The fact that Pope Francis, the leader to more than 1 billion Catholics—roughly 14 percent of the world’s population—is urging action on climate change is undeniable evidence of growing

support for an agreement that even global warming naysayers cannot refute.

Pope Francis openly blames global warming in part on "a model of development based on … fossil

fuels" and calls for more renewable energy development instead, according to a Washington Post

Indeed, at 55 percent of the world’s Ecological Footprint, the carbon Footprint is the single largest driver of our planet’s ecological overshoot, which occurs when humanity’s demand on nature

exceeds what nature can regenerate. Fortunately, many countries who already have submitted

proposals for the climate talks in December are proposing major reductions in carbon emissions, though the International Energy Agency suggested this week they would not be enough to curb

climate change.

In keeping with the name he took—St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment who dedicated his life to the poor—the pope also notes how modern development has hurt not only

the environment but also the poor. "The poor and the Earth are shouting," he eloquently writes.

It is heartening to see the Pope recognizes that ecological and social "approaches" must work

together, the very premise of our latest work in rural communities in India that documents how greater resource security fuels lasting human development.

This work confirms Pope Francis’ message: Development that undermines nature ultimately

leaves the poor in a more vulnerable position. Pope Francis concludes: "Today we can’t avoid

stating that a true ecological approach must always become a social approach, integrating justice in the debate around environment, so that we listen to the cry of Earth as much as we listen to

the one of the poor."

He further notes the "disproportionate effects of climate change on poor populations, whose livelihoods depend heavily on nature reserves," according to a Huffington Post. We couldn’t agree

with these points more, which is why we advocate development that improves the conditions of

humans as well as enhancing the natural capital those communities depend on.

Even before its official release, Pope Francis’ historic encyclical—the first of its kind dedicated to the environment—seems to be accomplishing his intended goal: "In this encyclical," he writes, "I

intend especially to engage in a dialogue with everyone about our common home."

We need to applaud Pope Francis for helping to fuel this global dialogue and noting that

protecting the Earth should "unite the whole human family."

Let us Do Something about Climate Change Together. From the Pope, Prime Minister of India to the President of the United States, everybody’s talking about climate change. The Prime Minister of India highlighted its importance in his address at the

International Yoga Symposium. But what are we actually doing about climate change, and what needs to be done to address it?

This is an issue that affects or will affect every family, business, government and

economy within our country and around the world.

The implications of climate change are broad ranging…and to many, staggering. But we don’t have the luxury of burying our heads in the sand.

We’re going to need to update city plans as well as build smarter and more resilient

infrastructure. We need to transform, train and deploy a climate smart workforce of epic proportions.

And to do so, we need momentum behind building a large scale mobilization effort not

seen since World War II.

Our leaders and workforce desperately need the skills to be able to effectively address climate change. This means modernizing job descriptions, professional development programs,

credentialing requirements, core curriculum in higher education and a broad recognition that a few people are not going to be able to do this by themselves.

We need a Climate Smart Workforce designed to accelerate our efforts to integrate climate change into decision making across sectors and professions.

The Climate Smart Workforce will provide advance training courses and engage peer

credentialing bodies and higher education institutions, and advocate for climate preparedness and resilience training in large organizations.

India plans to make renewables mandatory on rooftops by BRIDGE TO INDIA. Last week, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister formally

gave its approval for stepping up India’s solar power capacity target to 100 GW by 2022 . The press release included some bold policy ideas to achieve the goal. They include: making 10%

rooftop solar mandatory under a scheme to be formulated and announced by the Ministry of

Urban Development (this is still an idea that may or may not become a policy) and setting up industrial parks for manufacturing solar PV components. Apart for the new policy targets, the

cabinet also gave its approval for implementing 2 GW of utility scale projects under a viability gap funding mechanism . This is a part of the 7 GW to be allocated by SECI.

The most noteworthy point in the press release is the proposal for amendment in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction and

10% renewable energy provision for end-customers under the new scheme of Ministry of Urban Planning. It is an interesting proposal and, in this post, we discuss

some of its pros and cons.

Mandatory rooftop solar is not new to India. Similar policies have earlier been formulated by the

states of Haryana and Tamil Nadu. In 2012, Tamil Nadu unveiled a solar policy, under which large power consumers (with a connected load of above 11 kVA) were asked to meet a share of their

power consumption from solar. However, a year later, this obligation was challenged by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers Association in court on the grounds that there was already a general

renewable energy obligation upon commercial consumers, as per a Tamil Nadu Energy Regulatory

Commission (TNERC) order of 2010. The rooftop obligation was dismissed by the courts and the plan was aborted.

Subsequently, Haryana has made it mandatory for all buildings with an area of 500 sq. yards or

more to install solar rooftop systems of a minimum size of 1 kW or 5% of their power

requirements, whichever is higher. The deadline for meeting the requirements is September 2015. In all likelihood, there will be large scale non-compliance to this mandate. The primary

reasons for non-compliance is that the other aspects of the policy are not being effectively implemented. A central and state government subsidy has been announced but it is not available.

Net-metering exists on paper but the process for providing interconnection has not yet been streamlined. In fact, hardly any permissions have been provided for net-metering. Over and

above these challenges, the short timelines provided for publicizing and enforcing the mandates

has created a situation where the public has not taken them seriously.

UNDP GREENING TUTORIAL : Launched a year ago, on World Environment Day 2014 by Helen Clark, Administrator, UNDP. Although the tutorial is UN specific, similar concept and ideas can be used in other organizations across the world. I have personally done it. Believe me it is extremely well presented and worth doing. It was really great fun!!

A year ago, on World Environment Day 2014, Helen Clark, Administrator, UNDP demonstrated UNDP’s commitment to walk the talk on climate change and confirmed that “UNDP is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and to achieving overall climate neutrality. By demonstrating that UNDP runs its operations in a resource efficient, sustainable, and accountable way, UNDP strengthens its

global position as a strong and reliable partner.” From policy revisions to use of renewable energy and green renovations, UNDP is developing innovative solutions to move UNDP towards “greener,” resource-efficient and more resilient operations. The recently initiated Regional Greening Projects which are particularly focusing on the use of photovoltaic energy have engaged even more UNDP staff and have deepened their understanding that ‘greening’ goes hand in hand with making UNDP’s operations more resilient, cost effective and sustainable. In order to further engage and empower all to be part of this movement, UNDP in partnership with UNEP has developed a ‘Greening Tutorial’ which was launched on World Environment Day 2014. The tutorial is publically available at http://www.greeningtheblue.org/sustainability-tutorial .

The Greening Tutorial is a great tool to help all of us to understand the different steps that can be taken in one’s day-to-day work towards achieving this goal, it takes very little time to complete, and, best of all, it is fun!

FAO Assesses Climate Change Impacts on Food Security and Trade The article is available at : http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/fao-assesses-climate-change-impacts-

on-food-security-and-trade/

In a book reviewing scientific and economic climate change impacts on food and agriculture over

the past 20 years, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) underscores policy implications for hunger, poverty and global food trade.

Based on evidence gathered by a group of scientists and economists over these two decades, the book is intended as an accessible source for decision makers and practitioners working on food

security, health and nutrition, water scarcity and climate adaptation.

The book, titled 'Climate Change and Food Systems: Global Assessments and Implications for

Food Security and Trade,' finds that climate change will have significant effects on where and how food is produced, and will decrease the nutritional quality of some crops.

In her foreword to the book, FAO Deputy Director-General for Natural Resources Maria Helena Semedo highlights "the potential role of trade as a driver to mitigate some of the negative impact

of climate on global food production."

According to the book, climate change is exacerbating difficulties caused by the growing global demand for agricultural commodities as incomes rise and the world's population increases. The

book examines potential technological solutions to climate change and their adaptation co-

benefits, highlighting potential trade-offs.

On the nutritional content of crops, FAO states that a higher concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) "lowers the amount of zinc, iron and protein, and raises the starch and

sugar content in some of the world's major food crops, such as wheat and rice."

On the other hand, the book highlights how human diets could offer solutions to problems

exacerbated by climate change. For example, reducing meat consumption could conserve as much water as is required to feed 1.8 billion people.

As mentioned in the book, trade is likely to expand with climate change, but extreme weather

events may also inhibit trade, interrupting supply chains, transportation and logistics.

The authors argue that a "structured dialogue," with the involvement of scientific experts,

policymakers, civil society and the private sector, is needed to develop an adequate strategy for addressing the impacts described in the book and inform policy action.

Ground-breaking Court Ruling Says State Must Address Climate Change, Thanks to Teen Lawsuit The article is available at: http://ecowatch.com/2015/06/25/court-rules-state-address-climate/?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=970eb1dbb8-Top_News_6_26_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-970eb1dbb8-85957433 and

http://ecowatch.com/2015/06/25/court-rules-state-address-climate/2/ .

In an unprecedented decision, a judge in Washington State has ruled in favor of a group of young people who filed a lawsuit last year asking that the state be required to develop a science-based

plan for limiting carbon emissions in order to protect the climate for future generations. The lawsuit, Zoe & Stella Frazier v. Washington Department of Ecology, was brought last year by eight teens and preteens, the youngest nine years old, who filed a petition last June with the

Department of Ecology, requesting that it develop a rule “to recommend to the legislature an

effective emissions reduction trajectory that is based on best available climate science and will achieve safe atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide by 2100.”

“Youth petitioners hereby submit this petition for rulemaking on behalf of themselves, the citizens of the State of Washington, and present and future generations of children,” it said. Last August, the Department of Ecology denied the petition although it did not deny the scientific

basis for it. The petitioners filed an appeal, arguing that they had a right to grow up in a healthy

environment. King County Superior Court Judge Hollis Hill agreed with them and ordered the Department of Ecology to reconsider their petition and report back to the court by July 8 whether

it will consider the science necessary to climate recovery.

“Washington State’s existing statutory limits should be adjusted to better reflect the

current science,” wrote Hill in her decision. “The limits need to be more aggressive in order for

Washington to do its part to address climate risks.”

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Andrea Rodgers of the Western Environmental Law Center, pointed to the

ground-breaking nature of the decision. The effect of this decision is that for the first time in the U.S., a court of law has ordered a state agency to consider the most current and best available climate science when deciding to regulate

carbon dioxide emissions,” she said. “The court directed Ecology to apply the agency’s own

findings that climate change presents an imminent threat to Washington and demands immediate action. The ball is now in Ecology’s court to do the right thing and protect our children and future

generations.”

In a footnote to her order, Judge Hill explained why she rejected the Department of

Ecology’s plan to delay acting on emissions. “Ecology suggests no change in greenhouse gas reduction standards until after an international

climate conference scheduled in Paris in December 2015, thus delaying action for at least a year from the date of the report or one year and five months after the report’s original due date,” she

wrote. “Neither in its briefing nor in oral argument of this appeal did the department seek to justify this suggested delay. The report itself states that after the Paris conference Washington

would be better informed how the state’s limits should be adjusted.”

The organization Our Children’s Trust is spearheading such actions around the country, filing lawsuits on behalf of youth plaintiffs in every state. It also joined with two non-profits to file a

federal lawsuit but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. And it was unsuccessful in Oregon recently where a judge ruled in May that the state has no responsibility to care for the

natural environment or the atmosphere for future generations in a case brought by teenagers

Kelsey Juliana and Olivia Chernaik.

“If this judge is right that the sustainability of our atmosphere is merely a question for political

debate and disagreement, rather than an inherent constitutional right of all citizens and future generations, then we are in real trouble,” said Juliana. “This opinion sends a devastating message

to all citizens that none of the three branches of government can be trusted to ensure our future. The courts must enforce our right to a healthy atmosphere and stable climate for all

future generations.”

“Kids understand the threats climate change will have on our future,” said 13-year-old plaintiff Zoe Foster. “I’m not going to sit by and watch my government do

nothing. We don’t have time to waste. I’m pushing my government to take real action on climate, and I won’t stop until change is made.”

Short story titled: Pani barsa, dil bahar (Rain falls, heart bloom) written by Darpan Chhabra.

He is providing educational services to some of the schools in Western and Northern India and this is one of the stories written for kids of these schools to understand desertification and productive solutions to combat it.

You are out…out…out...this is final! Yeh!” A yell emerging and bouncing on the rocky hillock

located in front of mud coated thatched house of Hira Dhan signifying the traditional Indian game

Sikdi was under momentum.

A palm sized mineral pebble in the right hand of Gurua, son of Hira Dhan, was waiting to meet

another block bordered with chalked outline on the ground. “I got it…got it…”, a yell he heard from the long distance and lonely path. “Papa?!”, he murmured.

With two steel made water pots, one placed over the head and another lifted under the left arm, Misha Dhan, wife of Hira, was out of the house along with three women neighbours. To see the

glance of water in the well, located five kilometres away from the house, she travelled daily though the barren soils and crossed thorny stunted bushes. She also had to go to the village

market to purchase vegetables.

With one son studying in fifth standard, another in tenth and one daughter in eleventh standard

Hira and Misha had lot of concerns of their career. Being the only farmer in the house Hira brought a mere sum of four thousand rupees to his house in a month.

His dependency on the money lender was increasing day by day. To fulfil the wishes and daily

needs of his children and wife he used to take loans from big farmers and money lenders. A small

chemist shop and higher education of children were the stepping stones he dreamt to build up the future of his children.

“I got it…got it”, chanted Hira running towards his house with power. It seemed to Gurua that his

father has got a treasure.

“Hey what you got Papa?”, asked Gaura from Hira. He got a loan amount from his Samadhan

Village Committee to kick off land treatment on the hillock and surrounding plains.

He showed the cheque of one lakh rupees to Guara and Misha. The family jumped out with joy.

“What you will do the money?”, asked hopeless Misha. “Planning and land treatment”, replied

Hira holding his breath. “What this means?”, asked curious Gurua.

“I am very hungry”, said Hira looking at his wife. This was quite rare that his face was glowing with joy and exited tongue sticking to the dry mouth. During his late lunch he started imagining

of one more dish in the plate.

After eating food he came out from his room with his son and wife and told them “to listen very

carefully.” He picked up the measuring tape and started measuring the land area occupied by hillock and plain land.

“Small trenches, and stone bunds will be constructed across the slope on the chuck of land area”,

he told his son.

“What are trenches and stone bunds”, asked Gurua. “We exactly call them contour trenches.

Trenches are one and a half foot deep, five foot long and point eight foot broad structures dig across the land slopes.”

“Stone bunds are four to five foot raised stone walls constructed across the slopes to restrict soil

erosion.”

Explaining Gurua and Oli further he said, “Trenches will absorb the rain water, along with trenches stone bunds will help stop the soil erosion”.

“In this way the water will be absorbed and important nutrient from the soil will not be swept along with water and wind.”

“What more can be done to absorb the water down the ground?”, asked Gurua. “We will plant

fodder grasses on the land and in the trenches whose roots will bind the loose particles of the soil.”

“The fodder will be harvested after three months which we can feed to our two cows and one buffalo. The leftover we will sale in the village market and fodder bank.”

“What we can do more?”, asked Hira this time from Gurua. “Uuuuu!”, “can we plant trees on the

plain?” “Yes!”, replied Hira.

Explaining Misha, Gurua, Ari, his another son and daughter Oli, he said, “the construction will rise

the water level underground and water in the wells around and help restore the soil quality by preventing the water and soil to flow down the ground.”

“Good quality of soil and rich amount of water will increase the vegetation on the hillock which

will feed the livestock. Thus, livestock will produce more milk. The milk will be sold to the nearby

dairy. The water absorbed in the land will nurture the crops in the fields. Crop harvested will be sold in the market.”

“The income got in first year will also serve the Village Committee to settle the loan amount.

Amount taken as debt from the money lenders will also be repaid to them.”

“We will be rich and happy family”, said Oli taking a big sigh.

Plan started to work. Hira hired local farmers to construct trenches. Measurements of the

trenches were decided. 2 months deadline was given to complete the work. Trenches, stone

bunds, and pits for plantation were prepared at the planned site.

Came the monsoon trees were planted and fodder seeds were sprinkled by Hira, Misha and Gurua. Water was accumulated in the trenches with the continuous and mild showers falling on

the hillock and plains.

“Pani barsa, dil bahar, Angan mein aayo kushian hazaar, Tan bheega, haath mein boonden liye

hazaar”, which enchanted the women living around. (Translates to : Rain falls, heart bloom; Thousands of happiness brought to the house; Body becomes wet with thousands of water drops

hold in the hand.)

Release of the Latest Issue of the SUN Focus : Quarterly Magazine on Concentrated Solar Heat : Vol. 2, Issue 4, April to June, 2015. The latest issue can be downloaded from : http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/SunFocus-June2015.pdf .

We are pleased to share the eighth issue of SUN FOCUS magazine. . After covering various

aspects of CST sector in first seven issues, the last issue focused on the UNDP-GEF CSH Mid-term project Progress and achievements.

The current issue of the magazine is aimed at providing the manufacturers’ perspective towards

the current state of the sector and future opportunities.

This issue of SUN FOCUS presents with the perspective of CST manufacturers, who have a crucial

role in the overall development of the sector, as the indigenous technologies are essential in terms of suitability to Indian conditions and affordability of technologies.

The article from Dr Sonde (Executive VP, Thermax Ltd) elaborates the importance of CST

technologies in the overall energy mix of India and key enablers for the sector, i.e.,

manufacturing and policy support.

The article from Megawatt solutions details out the new R&D project undertaken with the support from MNRE: Solar-biomass hybrid thermic oil heating application in Pharmaceutical industry.

Clique Solar article gives a broad view of the huge opportunities in the CST sector and their

business model to tap these opportunities.

There is another article which outline the manufacturer’s expectations from policy-makers and regulatory bodies, to achieve large scale growth of CST sector in India.

We are sure you will find this issue as interesting, relevant, and informative as all the previous

issues. With this issue, we are completing 2 years of publication of ‘Sun FOCUS’.

We look forward to your valuable comments, suggestions and most importantly ‘contributions’ for

upcoming issues of the magazine.

7 Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care' is the theme of World Environment

Day 2015 and the focus is on sustainable lifestyles.

The India Water Portal begins with a perspective on a growth-at-all-costs agenda followed by

stories on current sustainable practices as well as fast disappearing age-old practices followed in different parts of India

'

Are we heading towards ecological and social suicide?

Development at the cost of the environment and ecosystem-dependent

communities can be an easy recipe for ecological and social disaster.

- Read more

House of solutions

Rahul Banerjee, a scientist and researcher, has created sustainable and

environmentally friendly home-based solutions to manage his own water supply

and sanitation issues in Indore.

- Watch video

Zabo: The art of impounding water

Kikruma in Nagaland has its own system of water harvesting. Watch a farmer

explain this unique method called Zabo, which helps manage water while

nurturing the soil and optimizing agriculture.

- Watch video

Go organic and triple your profits

Twenty years of hard work and devotion has made Kalaivani from Vellitiruppur,

Tamil Nadu a celebrity of sorts in the organic farming circles in Erode district

and beyond.

- Watch video

Water for friends- for free!

At a time when Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), is much talked about,

two villages in Nagaland show that helping one's neighbour doesn't always

have to be for a cost.

- Read more

Sparkle in the mountains: The indigenous 'Hydroger'

Villages of Nagaland that aren't connected to the electricity grid have been

given hope by a new source of power.

- Watch video

Ingenious system to manage sewage in Kolkata

Fisher folk of the East Kolkata Wetlands use sewage from the city’s lakes to

rear fish. Watch an interview of the person who popularized this system that

the locals invented years ago.

- Watch video

Rejuvenating a traditional water system in Maharashtra

Caught in between the Malguzaars (the local Zamindars) and the state

government, the Malguzari tanks were left to die many years ago. A lone

Malguzaar spearheaded their revival in 2008.

- Watch video

The Madakas- less known traditional rainwater harvesting structures

The Madakas, traditional rainwater harvesting structures found in Karnataka

and Kerala are fast disappearing.

- Read more

Can Madurai's dying tanks be revived?

Yes, say the authors, but not before these tanks are recognized in a manner

befitting their past glory: as prized resources that provided water to the city

even though it had no perennial rivers.

- Read more

The Sun in the Kitchen, a story on UNDP’s support for solar

water heating systems at a school for under-privileged children in

Chennai, has over 1,000 views on the UNDP website and was one the most viewed and shared stories in April across 170 UNDP

country offices. Recently, the story was featured prominently on the UNDP HQ homepage and tweeted by the Ministry of New

and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

Eldis Climate Change and Development Reporter; 12 June 2015

Eldis Climate Change Resource Guide: http://www.eldis.org/climate

This is the regular bulletin that highlights recent publications on climate change and development issues.

The documents are available without charge on the web. If you are unable to access any of these materials online and would like to receive a copy of a document as an email attachment, please contact our editor: Fatema Rajabali Eldis Programme Institute of Development Studies Sussex Brighton BN1 9RE; UK Email:f.rajabali@ids.ac.uk ;

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Introductory Guide: Cities in a Changing Climate 2. A baseline assessment of climate finance 3. What was the contribution of the Long Term Mitigation Scenario process to South

African climate mitigation policy? 4. The role of the legal framework in ensuring REDD+ activities are consistent with the

UNFCCC REDD+ safeguards: Country experiences implementing a country safeguard approach

5. A new global agreement can catalyze climate action in Latin America 6. Checklist on establishing post-2015 emission pathways 7. Indonesia’s ‘green agriculture’ strategies and policies: Closing the gap between

aspirations and application 8. Climate change-related disasters and human displacement: towards an effective

management system 9. Revaluing ecosystems: pathways for scaling up the inclusion of ecosystem value in

decision making

10. Topic Guide: Mainstreaming environment and climate change into humanitarian action

LAUNCH : 3rd edition of India’s National level CSR conference on Business Case for Sustainable CSR Intervention to be held on 15th July, 2015 at India International Centre, New Delhi.

The conference will highlight innovative CSR business models for PSUs and Corporates with a

focus on Sustainable Interventions – including ‘Renewable Energy’ based CSR initiatives. The conference would address how CSR funding could promote on-going flagship programs of

Government of India i.e. ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, ‘Make in India campaign’ & 'Skill Development' and how to increase convergence with CSR funds from Central PSUs/Corporates

for Government of India programmes.

For more details, please log on to: http://sharpdevelopments.org/csr3/index.html

Launch of first quarterly edition of “iMPACT” – a CSR publication focussing on sustainable CSR and best practices undertaken by PSUs and corporate sector. The

first edition will be released at the 3rd National Conference on sustainable CSR on July

15, 2015.

To make this a successful publication, we solicit your support in this journey and spread the word on your CSR programs, new initiatives, success stories, best practices, upcoming projects/

events, and viewpoints on Sustainable CSR, through insightful articles, to bring sustainable CSR

one step closer to sustainability.

“iMPACT’’s quarterly editions will bring you

§ Exclusive views of leaders on sustainable CSR, § One-on-one discussions with key decision-makers,

§ CSR integration with the Government of India's flagship programs such as "Swachh Bharat" "Make in India" "Housing for All" and "Skilling India"

§ Vibrant discussions on policy issues

§ Latest news on CSR programs in India, and § Innovations and successful CSR models.

The “iMPACT” will serve as an excellent platform for recognizing your organizational excellence in implementing CSR projects/programs.

For more details, please log on to the website.

The recent G7 Summit and the decision made by attending government officials to

intensively address global warming and cut emissions by up to 70% by 2050 has left the climate finance community hopeful that there will be a reinforced global

cooperation to alleviate the impacts of climate change in the future.

The Frankfurt School - UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance (the

Centre) has now released its eighth newsletter to offer a transparent look into its recent activities and international project work which in many aspects correlates with and supports the energy

road map introduced by the G7 world leaders.

Please read about:

The Centre’s current adaptation projects and efforts to reinforce Germany’s initiative on

climate risk insurance Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investments

The Centre's 2015 course programmes in Climate and Sustainable Energy Finance

Other Centre achievements, publication releases, project updates and events.

The newsletter can be downloaded at the following link: http://fs-unep-centre.org/publications/newletter-volume-8

All India Environmental Journalism Competition 2015

Our environment is degrading every minute and this is and should be an issue of serious concern

for each one of us. This environmental degradation needs urgent action to be taken, which should be continuous and widespread. Awareness towards causes of environmental degradation,

effects on the livelihood of many and ways to prevent this degradation, combined with tremendous community involvement are the needs of the hour.

To steer the public and other stakeholders towards the path of sustainable development, media plays a crucial role by raising public awareness. Media can provide a realistic picture of the

environmental status, and offer critical analyses. Regular media coverage can thus contribute significantly to more environmental friendly behaviour of individuals and the society at large,

thereby promoting sustainable lifestyle.

Against this backdrop, to encourage environmental journalism in India, GIZ India along with IFAT

India, and under the patronage of the German Embassy, has been organising the All India Environmental Journalism Competition since 2013. The third All India Environmental Journalism

Competition 2015 is being organised in association with IFAT India, ICLEI South Asia, The Third

Pole and Asian College of Journalism.

The overall purpose of this competition is to encourage and inspire journalists to report on a wider range of environmental issues at various levels like local, state and national. The entries

should focus on urban and industrial issues of environmental protection and management. Entries related to water, waste and wastewater – and presenting positive examples, possibilities and

solutions - are encouraged. Taking into account, the renewed focused of Government of India on

initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and Clean Ganga Mission, we encourage stories linked to these initiatives. All entries must be clearly associated to India.

The call for entries is available at : http://www.igep.in/e48093/e59184/

The last date for submitting entries is 15 August 2015.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency: Ministry of Power, Government of India : Energy

Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Buildings : Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Hiring of an agency for Capacity Building Scheme through an ECBC

Cell in Chattisgarh State Designated Agency (SDA) June 2015

Letter of Invitation: This Expression of Interest (EOI) document is for Hiring of an

agency for Capacity Building Scheme through an ECBC Cell in Chattisgarh SDA . The Agency will be engaged by BEE/UNDP/SDA for a period of at least 12 months.

A project on energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings has been initiated under the

UNDP-GEF-BEE programme. This project would assist in the implementation and

operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus on Capacity Building Scheme through ECBC Cells in SDA/ urban development department UDD.

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 defines the powers of the State Government to facilitate and

enforce efficient use of energy and its conservation. The State Governments have to designate

State Designated Agencies in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to coordinate, regulate and enforce the provisions of the Act in the State. Thus the State Designated Agencies

are the strategic partners for promotion of energy efficiency and its conservation in the country.

The role of the SDA in assisting states to complete the process of notification is critical. Further details are available at: http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/procurement/EOI_ECBC_Cell_CG.pdf.

Last Date for Submission of EOI: 1500 hours (IST) on 21st July, 2015.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency: Ministry of Power, Government of India : Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Buildings : Invitation for Expression of

Interest (EOI) for Hiring of an agency for Capacity Building Scheme through an ECBC Cell in Karnataka State PWD

Letter of Invitation : This Expression of Interest (EOI) document is for Hiring of an agency for Capacity Building Scheme through an ECBC Cell in Karnataka State PWD .

The Agency will be engaged by BEE/UNDP/SDA/PWD for a period of at least 12

months.

A project on energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings has been initiated under the UNDP-GEF-BEE programme. This project would assist in the implementation and

operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus

on Capacity Building Scheme through ECBC Cells in SDA/PWD.

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 defines the powers of the State Government to facilitate and enforce efficient use of energy and its conservation. The State Governments have to designate

State Designated Agencies in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to coordinate, regulate and enforce the provisions of the Act in the State. Thus the State Designated Agencies

are the strategic partners for promotion of energy efficiency and its conservation in the country.

The role of the SDA in assisting states to complete the process of notification is critical. Last Date for Submission of EOI: 1500 hours (IST) on 21st July, 2015. Further details are

available at: http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/procurement/EOI_ECBC_Cell_KN.pdf.

Invitation to participate in Management Development Programme on Smart Electric

Grid for 24x7 Power: Development and Deployment, 23-25 July 2015, Bangalore

With the emerging power sector scenarios and the proposal for the development of 100 Smart

Cities in India, Smart Electric Grid is perceived to be the future architecture of the power distribution sector. Smart Grid is found to be one of the important aspects in order to bring

efficiency and sustainability in meeting the growing electricity demand with reliability and best of the quality.

The need of the hour in the context of Smart Grid is the training and capacity building at different levels in an integrated manner. But the major challenge remains the upskilling and expanding the

capabilities of the present workforce to understand, develop and subsequently be able to operate and manage the Smart Grid System in the ever evolving dynamics.

Keeping the above context in mind, The Energy Research Institute (TERI) and India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) are pleased to announce the Management Development Programme on Smart

Electric Grid for 24x7 Power: Development and Deployment from 23rd -25th July 2015 at TERI SRC, Domlur II Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Who should attend:

Engineers, Managers responsible for the operation and maintenance of Power Generation

systems, Transmission systems, Distribution systems, Genco's, Transco's, Discoms, Transmission Planners, Consultants, Officers of Power Utilities/Corporations, State Govt./SEBs, Industry

professionals, Policy Makers, Entrepreneurs, Energy Planners, Private Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, and Financial Institutions, etc.

Key takeaways: Gain in-depth knowledge about Smart Grid components and functionalities, potential and

challenges and how Distributed Energy Resources , GIS and technology can play a critical

role in a Smart Electric Grid. Exposure to the practical aspects of Smart Grid system and its components that will equip

the participants with the knowledge and understanding required to execute their

responsibilities in the sector in an integrated manner. A platform to have peer-to-peer interactions with the experienced industry experts on

various aspects of Smart Grid.

Objective: This three days intensive course seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of Smart Electric

Grid, its components and functionalities, opportunities and challenges, policy and regulatory, communication, technological and storage aspects related to the system. The course shall be

instrumental in demonstrating practical aspects of Smart Grid System through lab and field visits.

We invite you to participate in the programme or nominate executives from your organizations for

the same.

For registration and more details please visit http://www.teriin.org/ResUpdate/teri-mdps.php

For further information, please contact:

• Gagan Suneja; gagan.suneja@teri.res.in ; 011-24682100 (Extn:2043) • Sakshi Gaur; sakshi.gaur@teri.res.in ; 011-24682100 (Extn:2017)

• Amol Sawant; amol.sawant@indiasmartgrid.org ; +91 7042129429

Many thanks to all who contributed to this issue of Update!

If you have items to feature in the Updates, please send it to Solution Exchange for the Climate Change Community at : se-clmt@solutionexchange-un.net.in

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