The discussion comprised speakers from the partner CSOs, leading health professionals from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, and Hon. Parliamentarians from the four countries of the region. The event organised by Climate Action Network (CANSA), Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA), Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPTT) & Climate Trends , is part of ongoing efforts to inform lawmakers and government representatives on ways to address the climate change and health crisis that is fuelled by air pollution caused by burning of fossil fuels.
The Eco Village Development (EVD) is seen as an alternate pathway towards sustainable development of villages as a unit, and has been established through the demonstration villages set up in diverse socioeconomic, geographic and climatic conditions across Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. EVD is a basket of local solutions on renewable energy, accompanied with community mobilization, involvement of women and children and appropriate training and capacity building bringing lasting changes in communities. EVD promotes climate action by reducing GHG emission and building adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities.The EVD approach has been useful to communities where the local solutions were implemented resulting in augmented capacity of communities and improved livelihood.
The main cause of the climate emergency is fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas are responsible for almost 80% of all carbon dioxide emissions since the industrial revolution. The world is beginning to recognize that unprecedented levels of international cooperation will be required to prevent the proliferation of fossil fuels, phase out existing stockpiles and infrastructure, and fast-track a just and peaceful transition to safer and cleaner alternatives.
Just as fifty years ago, the world needed a treaty to defuse the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction, the world today needs a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Studies of health impacts of coal and power plants from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have revealed that a vast range of impacts on the physical and mental health of populations residing in the vicinity of such projects. While coal is used for various purposes, electricity generation and steel production are the two biggest consumers of domestic coal in India.