SESSION 1: (NATIONAL)

CLIMATE CHANGE AND INDIAN COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM: NURTURING A

GREENER FUTURE

 SPEECH:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I want to talk about an important topic, "Climate Change and Indian
Cooperative Federalism: Nurturing a Greener Future." You know, our planet is
in trouble because of climate change. This problem is not going to go away on
its own. We need to do something about it, and we need to do it together.

India is a big country with many different states. Our leaders work together to
solve problems, which is called cooperative federalism. This is a good thing
because it helps us fight climate change better.

We have already made some good changes in India, like using more solar and
wind power. But we can do more. We need to keep trying, do better, and make
sure our work is good for everyone and the environment.

Fighting climate change is not just about cutting down on pollution or using
more green energy. It is about making a better future for everyone. It is about
making sure that what we do today doesn't hurt the people of tomorrow. It's
about teaching everyone to care about our planet.

In the end, as we move forward, let us remember that every little thing we do
for a greener future is a big step towards a better, more sustainable world for
all of us.

Thank you for listening.

 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED FROM THE RUILING PARTY

Q: How is the current government prioritizing immediate and long-term

climate action plans?

A: We prioritize both immediate adaptation for vulnerable communities and

ambitious long-term plans focusing on clean energy transition and sustainable
development, ensuring a future-proof India.
Q: Which renewable energy sources are being prioritized and why?

A: We're focusing on a diverse mix of solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass,

considering affordability, accessibility, and grid stability, while promoting
decentralized solutions for wider reach.
Q: How are potential energy gaps during the transition being addressed?

A: We're investing in grid modernization, energy storage solutions, and

exploring clean alternatives like green hydrogen to ensure a smooth transition
without compromising energy security.
Q: What role does the government see for carbon capture and storage
technologies?

A: We view these with caution due to potential risks and limited scalability. We
prioritize nature-based solutions like afforestation and improved land
management for carbon sequestration.
Q: How are industries and individuals incentivized to adopt sustainable
practices?

A: We're implementing a mix of policies, including carbon pricing mechanisms,

tax breaks for green technologies, subsidies for sustainable agriculture, and skill
development programs to encourage wider adoption.
Q: How is the central government empowering states in climate action?

A: We're strengthening state-level institutions, providing financial and technical

assistance, and encouraging knowledge sharing through collaborative platforms
to empower states to implement their own climate action plans within a
nationally determined framework.
Q: How is the government leveraging local communities and traditional
knowledge in climate adaptation?

A: We recognize the vital role of local communities and are actively integrating
their traditional knowledge and practices into climate adaptation strategies,
ensuring community participation and ownership.
Q: How is the government ensuring equitable distribution of resources and
benefits of climate action across states?

A: We've established transparent allocation mechanisms based on

vulnerability, historical emissions, and developmental needs, ensuring all states
benefit fairly from climate action initiatives.
Q: What mechanisms are in place for effective inter-state coordination on
climate challenges?

A: We've established national missions and forums for states to share best
practices, collaborate on joint initiatives, and address potential conflicts
through open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Q: How is the government promoting accountability and transparency in
climate action at all levels?

A: We've implemented robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, regular

progress reports, and public access to data to ensure transparency and
accountability at all levels of government.
Q: What measures are being taken to promote climate-friendly lifestyles and
individual responsibility?

A: We're raising public awareness through campaigns, education programs, and

behavioral nudges, encouraging sustainable choices like energy conservation,
public transportation, and responsible waste management.
Q: How is climate change education being integrated into school curriculums
and public awareness campaigns?

A: We're revising school curriculums to include climate change education and

launching targeted public awareness campaigns to empower citizens to
become active participants in climate action.
Q: What steps are being taken to promote research and development of
innovative climate solutions?

A: We're investing heavily in research institutions, public-private partnerships,

and supporting startups developing innovative technologies in clean energy,
adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions.
Q: How is the government ensuring access to green technologies and finance
for rural communities?

A: We're implementing special programs with subsidies, microfinance schemes,

and skill development initiatives to make green technologies and finance
accessible to rural communities, fostering inclusive green growth.
Q: How is the government measuring the success of its climate action plans
and ensuring continuous improvement?

A: We've established clear and measurable indicators for tracking progress on

climate goals, conducting regular reviews, and adapting our strategies based on
data and feedback to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness.

Q: The government prioritizes large-scale renewable projects. Shouldn't we

focus on smaller, community-driven solutions first?

A: Absolutely! Decentralized solar, wind, and micro-hydro projects empower

communities, ensure wider access, and are quicker to implement.
Q: The government claims a smooth transition away from fossil fuels. What
about potential job losses and economic disruption?

A: We need a just transition plan with reskilling programs, social safety nets,
and support for green industries to minimize job losses and ensure a smooth
economic shift.
Q: The government emphasizes carbon capture and storage. Isn't this a risky
and unproven technology?

A: We believe in focusing on proven solutions like nature-based carbon

sequestration through forest conservation and afforestation, rather than
unproven and potentially risky technologies.
Q: The government promotes carbon pricing. Won't this burden the poor and
common people?

A: We support carbon pricing with strong social safeguards like rebates and
targeted assistance for vulnerable communities to ensure affordability and
equity.
Q: The government's focus is on national emissions reduction targets. What
about protecting vulnerable communities already facing climate impacts?

A: We prioritize adaptation plans that directly address the needs of vulnerable

communities, including early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure,
and community-based adaptation strategies.
Q: The government talks about cooperative federalism, but states lack
resources and autonomy to act on climate change.

A: We advocate for increased financial and technical support from the center,
along with greater autonomy for states to develop and implement their own
climate action plans within a national framework.
Q: The government prioritizes top-down solutions. Shouldn't local
communities and traditional knowledge play a bigger role?

A: We believe in empowering local communities and recognizing the valuable

role of traditional knowledge in climate adaptation and resource management.
Q: The government emphasizes uniformity in climate action across states.
What about diverse regional needs and vulnerabilities?

A: We advocate for flexible and adaptable approaches that consider the

specific needs and vulnerabilities of different regions and states.
Q: The government focuses on inter-state cooperation through existing
institutions. Isn't there a need for more dedicated mechanisms for climate
action?

A: We propose establishing dedicated inter-state bodies and forums specifically

focused on climate change collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint
initiatives.
Q: The government prioritizes public-private partnerships for climate action.
Shouldn't civil society and community organizations have a stronger voice?

A: We believe in inclusive governance that actively engages civil society,

community organizations, and grassroots movements in decision-making and
implementation of climate action plans.
Q: The government's public awareness campaigns focus on individual actions.
Shouldn't we hold corporations and industries more accountable?

A: We agree. While individual action is important, we need stricter regulations,

polluter-pays principles, and corporate accountability mechanisms to drive
systemic change.
Q: The government focuses on integrating climate change into school
curriculums. Shouldn't we also educate adults and policymakers?

A: Absolutely! We need comprehensive public education and awareness

campaigns targeting all segments of society, including policymakers, industry
leaders, and the general public.
Q: The government talks about green investments, but what about ensuring
equitable access to green technologies and finance, especially for rural
communities?

A: We advocate for targeted subsidies, microfinance schemes, and skill

development programs to make green technologies and finance accessible to
all, especially in rural areas.
Q: The government promotes electric vehicles, but what about affordable
public transportation and sustainable mobility solutions for all?

A: We believe in a multi-pronged approach that prioritizes affordable and

accessible public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and walkable cities
alongside electric vehicle adoption.
Q: The government talks about achieving ambitious climate goals. How will
we measure progress and ensure accountability?

A: We need clear, measurable indicators and independent monitoring

mechanisms to track progress on climate action goals and hold all stakeholders
accountable for achieving them.
 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED FROM THE OPPOSING PARTY

Q: How does the opposition party propose to address the impacts of climate
change on vulnerable communities in India?

Prioritize adaptation plans with community participation, focusing on early

warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and social safety nets.

Q: Can the opposition party outline their strategy for promoting renewable
energy adoption across different states in India?

Advocate for state-specific renewable energy strategies, considering local

resources and grid capacity, with financial and technical support from the
central government.

Q: What specific policies does the opposition party suggest to reduce carbon
emissions in urban areas?

Implement carbon pricing mechanisms like carbon tax or emissions trading

schemes along with targeted subsidies for clean energy adoption in urban
areas.

Q: How does the opposition party plan to make agriculture more resilient to
climate change impacts?

Promote climate-smart agriculture practices like water conservation, crop

diversification, and soil health management, with financial support and
extension services for farmers.

Q: What measures does the opposition party propose to protect India's coastal
regions from sea-level rise and extreme weather events?

Invest in coastal infrastructure like seawalls and mangroves, coupled with early
warning systems and evacuation plans for vulnerable communities.

Q: How does the opposition party intend to encourage sustainable

consumption and production patterns among Indian citizens?

Encourage sustainable consumption through public awareness campaigns,

education programs, and policy measures like eco-labeling and green
procurement.
Q: Can the opposition party elaborate on their plans to involve local
communities in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts?

Empower local communities through participatory planning, capacity building,

and financial resources to lead climate action initiatives in their regions.

Q: What steps does the opposition party recommend to incentivize industries

to reduce their carbon footprint?

Implement stricter regulations, market-based instruments like carbon pricing,

and provide financial incentives for industries to invest in clean technologies
and energy efficiency.

Q: How does the opposition party propose to support research and

development in climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies?

Increase funding for research institutions and universities, encourage public-

private partnerships, and focus on developing and deploying affordable and
accessible climate solutions.

Q: Can the opposition party provide details on their strategy for conserving
biodiversity and ecosystems in India?

Prioritize biodiversity conservation through protected areas, sustainable forest

management, and community-based conservation initiatives.

Q: What measures does the opposition party suggest to ensure the

participation of marginalized communities in climate change decision-making
processes?

Inclusive community councils at all levels, participatory budgeting for local

climate projects, capacity building for marginalized voices.

Q: How does the opposition party plan to address climate-induced migration

and its impacts on affected populations?

Climate-resilient housing, resettlement plans with livelihood support, disaster

preparedness training in vulnerable areas.

Q: Can the opposition party outline their approach to international cooperation

in combating climate change?
Strong alliances with developing nations, leading by example on ambitious
emissions reduction targets, active participation in global climate funds.

Q: What specific actions does the opposition party propose to reduce air
pollution in Indian cities?

Stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles, promoting public

transport and electric mobility solutions, green spaces in urban areas.

Q: How does the opposition party intend to promote sustainable water

management practices across the country?

Rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation technologies, wastewater treatment

and reuse, community-led water conservation initiatives.

Q: What measures does the opposition party recommend to reduce

deforestation and promote afforestation in India?

Stricter forest protection laws, empowering local communities in forest

management, promoting alternative livelihoods for dependent populations.

Q: Can the opposition party provide details on their plan to support adaptation
efforts in climate-vulnerable regions?

Climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, financial aid and

technical assistance for adaptation measures.

Q: How does the opposition party propose to mobilize private sector financing
for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects?

Tax incentives, green bonds, public-private partnerships, facilitating access to

climate finance for local communities and small businesses.

Q: What role does the opposition party see for traditional knowledge and
indigenous practices in building climate change resilience?

Integrate traditional knowledge into adaptation plans, support research and

documentation of indigenous practices, recognize rights and leadership of local
communities.

Q: Can the opposition party elaborate on their strategy for mainstreaming

climate change considerations into urban planning processes?
Climate zoning, green building codes, integrating climate risk assessments into
urban planning, promoting nature-based solutions in cities.

Q: How does the opposition party plan to engage citizens in climate change
mitigation and adaptation efforts?

Citizen engagement through community-based programs, participatory

budgeting, and climate education across all ages and demographics.

Q: What steps does the opposition party suggest to enhance the resilience of
India's agricultural sector to climate change impacts?

Climate-smart agriculture practices, drought-resistant crop varieties, irrigation

efficiency improvements, and risk insurance schemes for farmers.

Q: Can the opposition party provide examples of successful climate change

adaptation initiatives they support?

Supporting initiatives like mangrove restoration, flood-resilient housing, and

community early warning systems for vulnerable communities.

Q: How does the opposition party propose to ensure transparency and

accountability in climate change-related decision-making processes?

Ensuring public access to climate data, independent auditing of projects, and

strong penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations.

Q: What measures does the opposition party recommend to address the

disproportionate impacts of climate change on women and marginalized
groups?

Gender-inclusive adaptation plans, empowering women through climate-

resilient livelihoods and access to finance, and addressing specific needs of
marginalized groups.

Q: Can the opposition party provide details on their plan to address water
scarcity and drought conditions exacerbated by climate change?

Rainwater harvesting, water conservation campaigns, decentralized

wastewater treatment, and exploring desalination technologies in coastal
areas.
Q: How does the opposition party plan to promote energy efficiency and
conservation measures in industries and households?

Promoting energy-efficient appliances, building codes, and industrial process

improvements, along with incentivizing renewable energy adoption for
households.

Q: What specific policies does the opposition party suggest to promote

sustainable transportation and reduce vehicular emissions?

Investing in public transportation, promoting electric vehicles and green

mobility solutions, and discouraging private car ownership through congestion
pricing.

Q: Can the opposition party provide examples of successful collaboration

between the central government and state governments on climate change
initiatives?

Collaborative federalism with shared climate goals, financial and technical

support for states based on vulnerabilities, and knowledge sharing through
dedicated platforms.

Q: How does the opposition party plan to ensure the equitable distribution of
resources and benefits from climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts
across different regions and communities in India?

Equitable resource allocation based on need and vulnerability assessments,

ensuring equal access to green technologies and financing through targeted
programs.