Caught between concrete and panic, India should not maladapt to climate change
India faces significant challenges due to its extensive coastline and the impacts of climate change. While some experts advocate for managed retreat from high-risk coastal areas, the Indian government has largely opted for engineering solutions. This approach raises concerns about social equity and the potential for maladaptation, as investments may favor wealthier areas over vulnerable communities.
- ▪India has over 7,500 km of coastline and millions living in low-lying areas, presenting a dilemma for climate adaptation.
- ▪The Indian government has favored engineering solutions like concrete walls instead of managed retreat, which is often recommended by experts.
- ▪There are concerns that engineering projects may lead to maladaptation, benefiting wealthier areas while neglecting the needs of poorer communities.
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With more than 7,500 km of coastline and millions of people living in low-lying coastal areas, India faces a dilemma that it has often been told is really a trap: use engineering solutions to hold the line, so to speak, or to beat a retreat inland. While many adaptation experts and institutions in high-income countries have favoured a ‘managed retreat’ in high-risk coastal areas, governments in South Asia have favoured concrete walls instead. But really, Indians’ best bet is an oft-unarticulated third way.At the COP climate summits and elsewhere, India’s representatives, including its Union Environment Minister, have argued that economically developing and under-developed countries deserve an extended off-ramp regarding the use of fossil fuels because these countries cannot abruptly…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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