Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), in collaboration with EnGIO and Press Club Kolkata, organized a discussion focused on the climate vulnerabilities of West Bengal. The meeting aimed to connect regional experiences and challenges with the ongoing global dialogue on climate change in the lead-up to COP30, which will take place in Brazil this November.
The event featured participation from both local and international representatives. Joining virtually from Brazil, Ana Toni, CEO of COP30 and Brazil’s National Secretary for Climate Change, emphasized the importance of linking ground-level realities from vulnerable regions like Bengal to the broader international climate process. The discussion was also attended in person by Mr. Pradeep Khemka, the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Kolkata, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between India and Brazil in advancing climate action.
Speakers at the session shared insights on the region’s growing exposure to extreme weather events and climate-related challenges. Research presented during the meeting highlighted the recurring impact of cyclones in the Sundarbans, resulting in significant economic losses, displacement, and ecosystem degradation. It was noted that the combination of rising temperatures, water stress, and loss of natural buffers continues to pose serious risks to both rural and urban areas of West Bengal.
The discussion also underscored the need to integrate local experiences into global climate negotiations, particularly within the framework of Loss and Damage and resilience-building under the Paris Agreement. Participants agreed that addressing climate risks in regions such as Bengal requires targeted financial and policy interventions that reflect the urgency of the situation.
The event served as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between local stakeholders and the international climate community, highlighting Bengal’s relevance in the global effort to build climate resilience ahead of COP30.
