Dear Friends,
The 62nd UN Climate Talks in Bonn revealed both progress and paralysis. We secured meaningful progress with Just Transition priorities formally integrated into the UN process, a testament to CAN’s persistent advocacy. Yet wealthy nations again evaded responsibility on adaptation and loss/damage finance, offering promises as South Asian communities face rising devastation.
In Bonn, CANSA organised a side event on Sustainable Consumption and Production in NDC 3.0, a media conference, and an informative webinar with our media fellows on their thoughts and challenges in reporting Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD) in Sri Lanka and Nepal. We launched our NELD media compendium and spotlighted local stories of cultural loss, identity, and climate trauma.
Meanwhile, on World Environment Day, the Kolkata Climate Action Plan (KCAP) was released for stakeholder consultation—an important milestone for South Asian cities. Coordinated by EnGIO and CANSA, the KCAP is a science-based, inclusive roadmap to address Kolkata’s growing climate risks, and a model for urban climate resilience.
On the ground, members continue to lead inspiring work—from climate-smart agriculture initiatives in Afghanistan, to critical research on reproductive health in Bangladesh, work on heat stress in urban areas, working with youth in Nepal, and climate finance dialogues in Dhaka.
Keep reading till the end.
In solidarity,
Sanjay Vashist
Director, Climate Action Network South Asia
2025 Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB 62)
| CANSA participated in the 62nd session of the climate meetings in Bonn. Together with our members and partners, a side event, webinar and media conference were organised.SB 62 saw a breakthrough as Just Transition priorities were formally included in the UN climate process, thanks to civil society pressure. But the talks also exposed deep injustice: rich nations expand fossil fuels while expecting poorer countries to act and pay, ignoring the growing ambition and finance gaps. See details here. |
| On 26th June, the 2025 UN climate talks in Bonn concluded with limited progress, as political tensions and delayed negotiations hindered momentum on key issues like adaptation, mitigation, and climate finance — raising critical questions about whether COP30 will deliver the ambition and action the world urgently needs.CANSA’s Director, Sanjay Vashist, expressed his disappointment at the conclusion: “Climate talks in Bonn have failed South Asia once again. While our communities face climate-induced floods, heatwaves, and hunger, wealthy nations dodge their obligations, offering empty words on adaptation and loss and damage finance. ….” |
UNFCCC Main Conference page: https://unfccc.int/sb62
Climate Action Network International Website: https://climatenetwork.org/
CAN-I’s SB62 Brief: bit.ly/4kYmhM9
CANSA Events at SB 62
WEBINAR
Reporting Non-Economic Loss and Damage: CANSA-CIR-NIMJN Media Fellows share their experiences | 19 June 2025
The webinar featured media fellows from Nepal and Sri Lanka as part of the CANSA-NIMJN and CANSA-CIR Fellowship.
Fellows showcased their experiences while researching stories on impacts of Loss and Damage (L&D) caused by climate change, particularly Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD) —the irreversible losses to culture, identity, mental health, and ways of life.
The webinar helped participants understand the challenges of reporting on NELD, and reflect on how these narratives could shape more inclusive and responsive climate action in South Asia.
The articles produced under the media fellowship program were published as a Compendium on Non-Economic Loss and Damage—a collection of diverse, well-researched articles produced by the six media fellows under this fellowship, was launched. The compendium captures personal and community-level narratives around cultural loss, mental health, identity, and biodiversity—stories that highlight the human cost of climate change beyond financial terms.
Printed copies of the compendium were distributed to amplify these critical voices at Bonn.
See details of the NELD Media Fellowship, and read the stories here
SIDE EVENT & MEDIA CONFERENCE
Harnessing Sustainable Consumption & Production (SCP) in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0): Updates from Asia and the Pacific | 19 June 2025
The EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, in collaboration with CANSA, Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), convened this side event to take stock of progress made across Asia and the Pacific in integrating SCP and CE principles into national climate agendas. See details here
The panelists at the press conference were: Dr. Rene Van Berkel, Senior Circular Economy, Switch Asia, and Sanjay Vashist, Director, CANSA. The conference was moderated by Shailendra Yashwant, Senior Advisor, Communications and Advocacy, CANSA. The press conference recording can be viewed here.
Kolkata Climate Action Plan (KCAP) Released
For Stakeholder Consultation
Townhall, Kolkata | June 5, 2025
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) released the Kolkata Climate Action Plan (KCAP) for stakeholder consultation on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. This milestone marks the culmination of over 18 months of research, coordination, and collaboration led by the KMC in partnership with expert institutions and civil society organisations.
The KCAP has been developed as a comprehensive response to the city’s escalating climate risks and is rooted in scientific evidence, official data, and extensive consultations. This version is open for stakeholder input, and a final plan will be issued after further deliberation.
The plan is coordinated by EnGIO and CANSA, with the support of key partners including ORF, BCCI, Climate Trends, and Press Club Kolkata. An expert committee, established by KMC in 2023, has played a central role in guiding the plan’s direction and recommendations.
The Kolkata Climate Action Plan (KCAP), led by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation with support from expert institutions and civil society, is a crucial step toward this goal. It provides a comprehensive, inclusive, and science-based roadmap for safeguarding the city and its people—especially the most vulnerable—from the escalating climate crisis. Read more details here.
To review the copy of the Report of Kolkata Climate Action Plan (K-CAP)Download Report
Building a Collective Vision on Just Transition in South Asia
8 May 2025
On May 8, 2025, CANSA convened an online consultation with its members to deepen regional understanding of Just Transition (JT). The discussion explored how Just Transition is defined and debated globally, while reflecting on national and regional perspectives relevant to South Asia. The goal: to shape a shared position in the lead-up to COP30 in Belém.
This was followed by CAN International’s events on Just Transition held on May 14–15, where South Asian voices contributed actively. As a key outcome, CANSA members collectively agreed to include Just Transition in CANSA’s vision statement—marking a pivotal step in aligning regional advocacy with global climate justice goals.
Members also underscored the need for continued dialogue to frame a clear, compelling JT narrative and policy position for South Asia. A task force will be set up to lead this effort, ensuring that diverse regional contexts are reflected and linked to global conversations.
UPDATE: CANSA Nepal NSC Meeting 23 April 2025
The CANSA-Nepal NSC met on 23 April at DCA Nepal for a dynamic exchange with the CANSA regional secretariat. Discussions covered NDC 3.0, regional Just Transition (JT), and strengthening participation in CANSA Working Groups. Key outcomes included commitments to revive regular Nepal-CANSA meetings, boost youth engagement, and contribute to a JT Task Force for South Asia. Nepal’s Citizen Assessment Report and collaboration with SAARC were highlighted. Eight action points were agreed on, including NDC finalization, orientation sessions, Nepal-CANSA’s participation in CAN International’s Action and Coordination Working Group, and coordination on the next Citizen Assessment Report.
Youth at the Forefront: Climate Justice Workshop in Kathmandu
On 25 June 2025, Prakriti Resources Centre and Plan International Nepal, with CANSA, hosted a workshop on “Climate Justice for Youth” in Kathmandu. Bringing together 64 participants—including youth, policymakers, and climate experts—the event spotlighted youth vulnerabilities and leadership in adaptation and Loss & Damage (L&D). Key highlights included personal stories from the Melamchi flood, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that generated actionable recommendations. The workshop emphasized youth-led innovation, inclusion in national plans like the NAP and NDCs, and institutional support for youth engagement—marking a crucial step towards a just, youth-responsive climate future in Nepal.
NEW MEMBERS
We are delighted to welcome many new members to the CANSA family!
AFGHANISTAN
Organization for Relief Development- (ORD)
Women and Youth Leadership & Empowerment Organization (WYLEO)
wyleo.net.af | wyleo2018@outlook.com
Afghanistan Young Green Organization (AYGO)
DACAAR
Organisation for Development of Economic, Social and Capacity Building
BANGLADESH
Youthnet Global
Centre For Climate Justice
Agrajattra
Association for Integrated Development – Comilla (AID-Comilla)
Terre des hommes Foundation
SRI LANKA
Foodfirst Information and Action Network of Sri Lanka (FIANSL)
INDIA
Progyan Foundation for Research and Innovation
Satat Sampada Climate Foundation (SSCF)
https://www.satatsampadaclimate.org
NEPAL
National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN)
Terre Des Hommes Foundation (Tdh)
PAKISTAN
Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE)
Society for Human Advancement and Disadvantaged Empowerment (SHADE)
Sindh Agriculture and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization (SAFWCO)
National Organisation for Working Communities-NOWCommunities (FemConsortia)
Management & Development Foundation (MDF)
Laar Humanitarian and Development Programme (LHDP)
https://www.lhdp-pakistan.org/
Labour Education Foundation (LEF)
Indus Consortium (IC)
Advocacy, Research, Training and Services (ARTS) Foundation
https://www.artsfoundation.org.pk
Khairpur Rural Development Organisation (KRDO)
Tameer-e-Khalaq Foundation (TKF)
Native Youth Club for Climate Change – NYCCC
Pak Mission Society (PMS)
https://www.pakmissionsociety.org/index.html
Save the Children International (Pakistan)
https://www.savethechildren.net/pakistan
Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development – FAID
Skillistan
https://www.linkedin.com/company/skill-istan/?originalSubdomain=pk
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI)
Research and Development Foundation
NEW REPORT
Download PDF
Understanding Non-Economic Loss and Damage: Compendium of articles produced under the media fellowship on NELD
Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is a reality, etched into the everyday experiences of communities across South Asia. While economic losses are more readily quantified, it is the non-economic losses — of identity, culture, health, dignity, and belonging — that often remain unseen, unheard, and underreported. These losses are deeply personal, yet they are shared across vulnerable communities struggling to survive on the frontlines of a changing climate. It is crucial to recognize the impacts of Loss and Damage (L&D) caused by climate change, particularly Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD) — the irreversible losses to culture, identity, mental health, and ways of life.
VIDEO THIS QUARTER
One Region, One Future: Regional Co-operation for Climate Action in South Asia
| But hope lies in working together. This video brings powerful voices from across the region — experts, civil society, and leaders — calling for urgent regional cooperation through SAARC. It also features insights from the recent regional dialogue “Regional Cooperation for Climate Resilient South Asia: Role of SAARC, Civil Society and Youth”, held on April 22, 2025 in Kathmandu — a key event fostering cross-border collaboration and amplifying the role of youth and civil society. |
 Watch it here, and share to join the movement for a safer, sustainable South Asia.: |
CANSA IN THE NEWS
Focus on ward weather stns, clean air zones, AC temp as Kol launches climate action plan
timesofindia.indiatimes.com | June 05, 2025
India’s climate exodus has begun
frontline.thehindu.com | Jun 12, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Breakthrough for Justice at Bonn Climate Talks – Amidst a System in Crisis
Bonn, Germany, 26 June 2025
After two tense weeks of negotiations, one breakthrough emerged in the SB 62 climate talks: civil society’s Just Transition priorities were officially tabled in the UN climate process, thanks to relentless pressure from social movements, workers, and frontline communities.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Updates from Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) Bangladesh
CPRD probes climate change impact on women’s reproductive health
CPRD hosted a seminar in Dhaka on the impact of climate change on women’s and girls’ reproductive health in coastal Bangladesh. Md. Shamsuddoha, CPRD’s Exec. Director, and Prof. Dr. Md. Iqbal Kabir from Health Ministry emphasized the need for region-specific, evidence-based research. They highlighted data gaps, bureaucratic delays, and urged policy reforms and cross-sectoral collaboration to develop climate-resilient health interventions. Details here
