UK to help Odisha tackle climate change

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: As part of the ‘UK in Odisha’ campaign a high level seminar on tackling climate change held here today highlighted the UK’s support to Odisha on this important area through implementing models of low-carbon and climate resilient development.It was organised under the Climate Change Innovation Programme (CCIP).It demonstrated the partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and the UK Government Department for International Development (DFID).The CCIP programme is active in six states in India including Odisha.It is strengthening India’s resilience to climate change by integrating climate change risks and opportunities into planning and investment processes.Through this programme, Odisha will be able to build on existing strengths and capacities for effective planning and delivery in high priority areas which affect the state’s climate vulnerability.It will also help the state attract public and private finance for climate compatible development.Through these activities, the CCIP programme will help improve the overall ‘livability’ of the state.Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British Deputy High Commissioner said: “I am proud that the UK Government has worked closely with Odisha on helping the state tackle climate change.Our partnership is supporting the state on low-carbon and climate resilient development which is helping the lives and livelihood of the people.”Phil Marker, the Regional Programme Manager, described the initial CCIP support areas to Odisha in flood planning, solid waste management and heat islands.The discussions helped in establishing a roadmap to implement models of sustainable development in Odisha.Key priority areas for UK’s support to state on climate vulnerability and energy access were also identified, which will help improve the quality of life of people.CCIP support can help a large number of Odisha’s citizens.Improved flood forecasting alone has the potential to help 2 million people in the state.Future areas for intervention may include water resources, agriculture diversification and climate smart urban drainage systems.CCIP, managed by Oxford Policy Management, is a partnership between the Indian and UK Governments and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in May 2013.It works with six India State Governments in Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Odisha.