Shimla, 22nd  March 2024: The urgent need for climate justice in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas has brought together leading activists, experts, and community representatives at the “Shimla Climate Meet,” a three-day capacity building workshop organized by Shimla Collective, Human Development Organisation, Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research, and ActionAid Association. Held from 19th to 21st March in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, the workshop aims to empower communities and foster strategies for urban climate justice in the Western Himalayas.

The Himalayas, renowned for their natural beauty, are also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) underscore the escalating risks posed by rising temperatures, shifting monsoon patterns, and the rapid melting of glaciers. These changes have intensified extreme weather events like flash floods, glacial outbursts, and landslides, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities in terms of class, caste, and gender.

Addressing a diverse audience of over 80 participants from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, Captain NPS Bhullar, Chairperson of Shimla Collective, emphasised the collective effort needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Uma Mahajan from Shimla Collective highlighted the connection between extractive economic models and the climate crisis, stressing the importance of investing in sustainable development patterns and local governance structures.

Mr. Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director of ActionAid Association, emphasised the leadership of marginalised communities in climate discourse, advocating for the recognition of indigenous knowledge and ecosystem services. Renowned architect Romi Khosla stressed the significance of democratic and decentralised planning processes involving local communities for sustainable urban development.

Ms. Satwal Atwal, Additional Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, raised concerns about unchecked tourism activities exacerbating resource stress and unsustainable infrastructure development in mountain regions. Ms. Pawna Kumari from Himachal Ghumantu Pashupalak Mahasabha called for the recognition of local communities as custodians of natural commons and urged the implementation of legislations such as the Forest Rights Act.

Over the course of the workshop, participants will engage in discussions on sustainable development models, climate change impacts on public health, agriculture, and food security, and collaborative planning for future climate action research. ActionAid Association plans to support community-based climate action research projects across the country, focusing on the diverse impacts of climate change on marginalised groups.

This workshop marks the third in a series of capacity building events organized by ActionAid Association in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research. With previous workshops held in Bhubaneswar and Lucknow and upcoming events scheduled in Guwahati and Chennai, the initiative aims to empower communities and amplify their voices in the global climate change discourse.

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For more information, contact: Mashkoor Alam| Mashkoor.Alam@actionaid.org | 7838355763

About ActionAid Association

ActionAid Association is an organisation working for social and ecological justice. ActionAid has been engaged with the most marginalised communities in India since 1972. In 2006, ActionAid Association was registered as an Indian organisation, governed by an independent General Assembly and a Governing Board. Together with supporters, communities, institutions and governments, we strive for equality, fraternity and liberty for all. ActionAid Association works in 24 states and two union territories, with several partners and allied organisations. ActionAid Association is part of a global federation and a full affiliate of ActionAid International, that has presence in over 40 countries worldwide.