Himachal Pradesh’s Climate Policy: Aligning with the Paris Agreement 2015

The combined impact of over-population, misuse of natural resources and unsustainable farming practices has made the Himalayan ecosystem fragile. Climate change has led to increase in temperature affecting the weather-cycle with abrupt rainfall patterns, the delayed winter and the harsher summer. The variations brought upon by climate change in Himachal Pradesh is of particular significance as the economy of the state relies heavily on agriculture, horticulture and forestry. All these sectors are facing the consequences of climate change, putting the economy and people of the state in a flux. Himachal Pradesh has frequently experienced natural disasters such as floods, droughts and cloud bursts which has led to biodiversity loss and lower harvest resulting into poverty and deprivation. Nearly 63% of the workforce in the state relies on agriculture or horticulture for their livelihoods, making rural communities especially vulnerable to extreme weather events. The article delves into key initiatives, schemes, and policies undertaken by the Himachal Pradesh government, particularly since 2010, to address climate change and promote sustainable living. It also critically examines and evaluates the extent to which these policies align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.