Boosting climate action in Tamil Nadu

A. The new political mandate in Tamil Nadu comes at a time when climate risks are no longer distant predictions but lived realities. From rising temperatures to coastal vulnerability, the urgency of incorporating climate action into governance has never been clearer. This political transition presents an opportunity to accelerate the state’s climate action response.

Tamil Nadu is among the most climate-sensitive states in India. Rising sea levels, more frequent hurricanes, heat waves, water stress and rapid urbanization further increase existing vulnerabilities and make the translation of climate action into policy and practice an absolute necessity.

In the past, Tamil Nadu has implemented various policies to manage climate risks. The government has launched various programs such as Climate Change mission, Coastal Restoration Mission and Green Tamil Nadu mission, in addition to creation of institutions such as Tamil Nadu Green Climate Corporation (TNGCC) and Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation. Additionally, the Climate Change Management Council, a high-level body of experts headed by the CM, is a first-of-its-kind body at the State level designed to provide strategic policy direction and accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Some of the key initiatives under the Climate Change Mission include establishing climate resilient villages on a pilot basis in 11 districts; district-level decarbonization plans; carbon neutral hubs; bio-fencing; climate-resilient green temples; green schools; and the Green Friends program. The role of the State Planning Commission cannot be ignored here, as it has been instrumental in designing many targeted studies across various priority areas, feeding into both policy and implementation processes.

Financially, Tamil Nadu led the launch of the first State-owned Green Climate Fund worth Rs 1,000 crore to support the transition to clean energy, mobility and water security. Besides, the State was successful in securing significant funding from the World Bank and other multilateral organizations for the execution of the TN-Shore Mission, which focuses on enhancing coastal resilience.

Next step

All these measures have made Tamil Nadu a pioneer in climate action. Additionally, institutions like TNGCC can be used to attract private capital to achieve climate action goals. This can turn ambition into opportunity at scale and create a new generation of industrial winners.

The new regime should not only seek to sustain existing initiatives to shape better outcomes, but should also be innovative in putting together forward-looking policies. It should also enable inclusive decision-making to create an enabling environment.

Since Tamil Nadu is one of the most industrialized states, the scope of emission reduction programs is wide and valid. The new government’s environmental mandate has an organic link with the previous government’s climate actions and targets. It aims to introduce a special climate budget plan of Rs 3,000 crore, achieve 100% renewable energy through the Vetri Solar Mission, install 20,000 EV fast charging stations and electrify 5,000 state-owned buses by 2031.

While mitigation priorities are important, the new government should not lose sight of adaptation actions, including measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable. A separate framework and action plan for adaptation strategies will not only assist the State’s climate resilience policies, but also strengthen its contributions to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and other existing international mechanisms.

Additionally, investments in research, education and capacity building will increase the value of climate action. The new government should try to mobilize funds both at home and abroad.

Tamil Nadu is entering the next phase of governance at a time when its climate action platform is well positioned for accelerated implementation. There’s no time to waste. Hope is based on action. Driven by its grand social agenda, the new government must ensure that every rupee spent on development is also an investment in a cleaner and more resilient future.

Arivudai Nambi Appadurai is Director of the Climate Resilience Practice at the World Resources Institute, India. The views expressed are personal.