India in the face of climate change

Diese Präsentation wurde von EPIZ e.V. im Rahmen des Projekts Global Fairness – Schools as Agents for Change entwickelt. Sie darf für Bildungszwecke genutzt werden und ist Teil des Unterrichtsmaterials „Ein Klima für den Wandel“.

Contents

1. Historical and political background

2. Consequences of climate change in India

3. Projections for the next 30 years

4. India’s position in climate negotiations

1. Historical and political background

First civilizations (200 000 BC- 1000 AC)

Human activity on the Indian Subcontinent dates back to 200 000 BC.

High skills in natural sciences, e.g. astronomy.

Foundations of the castesystem were laid around 600 BC.

1. Historical and political background

The role of religion

Hinduism and Buddhism were founded in India and spread from there.

The Indian Subcontinent was conquered by Muslims around 1300 and the Muslim belief was introduced in the 16th century.

1. Historical and political background

Colonial dominion

First trading posts were set up by England and France in the 17th century.

At the end of the 18th century, England began to expand its territorial power by the use of force.

The English Empire colonized and exploited the Indian population, e.g. they introduced English as the official language and assumed the highest level of power.

1. Historical and political background

India today

Colonial power ended 1947 due to independence struggles. (One of the leading protagonists was Mahatma Gandhi).

India designed its first democratic constitution in 1950.

Official language: HindiPopulation: Over 1.2 billion people

2. Consequences of climate change in India

Climate change affects monsoon seasons: droughts and floods.

The rural population is most vulnerable due to its dependency on natural resources.

Coasted regions where mostly the poorest live are most strongly affected by natural disasters.

3. Projections for the next 30 years

Water supply is at risk because of the melting of the Himalayan Glaciers, which are the source of fresh water.

Rise of sea-level threatens coastal population.Temperature is predicted to increase about

0.6-1.2°C.Rainfalls are projected to become stronger.Monsoon seasons will shift more and more.Natural catastrophes are likely to increase in

intensity and frequency.

4. India´s position in the climate debate

India ranks third in the world in terms of CO2-emissions.

However, compared to population numbers, emissions are relatively low.

National Action Plan against Climate Change since 2008: Investments in renewable energies, but no obligatory goals for reduction of emissions.

India has to balance poverty reduction and climate protection.

4. India’s position in the climate debate

India claims common but differentiated responsibility in climate protection:

...demands technical and financial support for climate protection from older industrial

countries, ...speaks against economic sanctions for

“developing” countries, ...claims stricter goals for older industrial

countries.

Sources

http://www.bpb.de/internationales/asien/indien/44384/geschichte-bis-1947?p=0

http://india.gov.in/india-glance/profilehttp://www.bpb.de/internationales/asien/indie

n/189166/indiens-umweltpolitische-herausforderungen

http://www.klimaretter.info/politik/hintergrund/18040-obama-draengt-indien-zu-klimaschutz

http://www.adaptcap.in/climate-change-projections/