According to a recent assessment by the Reserve Bank of India, labour hours lost due to excessive heat and humidity could potentially jeopardize as much as 4.5 percent of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030. Another study published in the journal Nature revealed that by 2050 a 19 percent loss of global income would be recorded due to climate change. As per a World Bank report by 2030, eight crore jobs worldwide could be lost due to heat stress, of which approximately 3.4 crore would be lost in India. Between 2019 and 2023, huge damages (over $56 billion) were caused by the climate impacts. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) report shows that 54 million people suffered from ‘weather-related disasters’ in South Asia. In 2021, India recorded a loss of income valued at Rupees 133 crores ($159 billion) which was 5.4 percent of its GDP. Climate change is already reporting higher incidences of malaria and dengue around the world. India has lost almost 420 million hectares of forest area since 1990[8]. A burgeoning population, rapid urbanization, and ‘the exploitation of various resources’ alongside the stress of changing climate will likely cause further losses in green cover. Climate disasters such as cyclones, desertification, droughts, and biodiversity loss will increase in this situation. This year’s theme for the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is-“raising awareness about mangroves and their importance as self-sustaining ecosystems. Nature-based solutions are a proven solution to reduce climate impacts and improve the nation’s GDP. Some key strategies are – Rejuvenation of wetlands: India has a total of 1,304 wetlands, out of which 82 wetlands are recognized.. By using bioremediation, wetlands can be rejuvenated, and local biodiversity restored.
Fish species such as Tilapia, Bata, Catla, Rohu, and Silver carp contribute significantly to water quality by consuming organic matter. They are crucial for local economies, as communities near water bodies rely on fishing and selling these fish for livelihoods, ensuring sustainable economic activities and ecosystem health. Additionally, bacteria and snails play roles in water purification processes. These areas also have a great potential to be promoted as a tourist destination with a bird sanctuary and, where possible, a butterfly park.Restoring coastal bio-shields: Mangroves are blue-sink and work as coastal bio-shields. They have medicinal value too. Locals can also take products such as honey, foods, etc from mangroves promoting an alternative economy. India covers a total of three percent of Asia’s mangrove land. It has saved people and the environment. In the same line, indirectly because of the increase of mangrove cover, forest resources are increasing gradually, and it has helped locals to sustain their livelihoods. Landslide mitigation: Human interventions and badly planned developmental activities have led to an increasing number of landslides in hilly areas of India. Implementation of new-age bioengineering with the plantation of native tree and grass species that hold soil is key to reducing landslide impacts. Land loss mitigation: Coastal zone and plain land, green cover development help stakeholders reduce land loss. Planting grass and trees on geotextiles or bamboo knitting materials is a tested solution. Climate resilient agriculture: Climate resilient agriculture will stop excessive usage of pesticides and organic manure and it will promote organic agriculture. It will also save groundwater and enhance food quality.
Clean energy: Bioenergy, wind, and solar power are all viable options for India. Making biogas and biofuel at the lowest possible cost will be easy. The Indian market has a very high demand for biogas and biofuel due to government initiatives. It will improve the quality of Indian transport. It is both economically and environmentally beneficial for India to include nature-based solutions in its economic strategy. India can promote sustainable growth, generate employment opportunities, strengthen its resilience against the effects of climate change, and protect biodiversity by capitalizing on the intrinsic advantages of natural ecosystems. This strategy benefits both the present and the future generations by promoting economic growth and ensuring environmental sustainability over the long term. Therefore, adopting nature-based solutions is essential to ensuring equitable and durable economic growth in India.Nature-based solutions are crucial in mitigating climate impacts. At SEEDS we have been pioneering the creation of coastal bio-shields, preventing land loss, and rejuvenating water bodies. These efforts aim to safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and enhance environmental resilience against the effects of climate change. Through innovative approaches rooted in nature, SEEDS is leading the way in sustainable development, ensuring communities are more resilient to the challenges posed by a changing climate. The article is authored by Rangeet Mitra, programme manager of Technical Solutions (Nature-based Solutions) at the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS).