In discussions at COP30 this year, a clear message has emerged that the world is approaching the critical 1.5 degree Celsius threshold, with a shrinking window for impactful action. The global north is falling short on its commitments to finance, equity, and climate justice despite warnings from the United Nations and decades of pledges since the Earth Summit in Brazil over 30 years ago. The Paris Agreement is struggling to meet the necessary ambition, prompting calls for a new form of climate multilateralism driven by the priorities and leadership of the global south.
To address this challenge, parliamentarians from South Asian countries, highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, propose the concept of regional climate multilateralism as a direct response. This model emphasizes solidarity, justice, and urgency highlighted by COP30. It aims to allow South Asian nations to combine resources, knowledge, and climate needs while sharing technology and financial capabilities in critical sectors requiring immediate transformation.
South Asia has been experiencing the escalating effects of climate change for more than a decade, with projections indicating potential economic losses of nearly 1.8 percent of the region’s GDP by 2050 due to floods, sea-level rise, extreme heat, and droughts. Recognizing the shared vulnerabilities and opportunities within the region, South Asian countries must establish robust institutional mechanisms to collectively address the climate emergency and present a united front in global climate negotiations.
The formation of a shared regional body, possibly named the “South Asian Climate Cooperation Council (SACCC)” or the “South Asian Climate Change Coalition,” is crucial for coordinated action. This institution must prioritize both mitigation and adaptation efforts to ensure political sustainability and mutual benefits for all member countries.
Drawing inspiration from successful climate coalitions in other regions, South Asia could leverage cross-border power connectivity initiatives like the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation to enhance energy collaboration and tap into renewable resources. The proposed SACCC, endorsed by South Asian parliamentarians, aims to establish a joint institutional response to climate change, emphasizing regional solidarity and justice while countering unfair trade practices of the global north.
Key pillars of the SACCC could include the creation of regional innovation hubs, a Green Climate Finance Facility to support climate projects, and a scientific commission to provide expert advice on climate action strategies. These initiatives would promote knowledge-sharing, finance mobilization, and technology adoption to address climate challenges collectively and efficiently.
As the urgency of climate action intensifies, it is imperative for South Asian nations to collaborate strategically and proactively to secure a sustainable future. A regional approach to climate change not only fosters cooperation but also paves the way for green growth and resilience in the face of a changing climate landscape.