Rising sea levels threaten Delta: summit highlights growing risks

The first International Delta Summit, organized by the Center for River Affairs (CRA) at Jadavpur University and the South Asia Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD), recently concluded with a collective call for immediate climate action to protect the vulnerable ecosystems of the delta. Deltas, the triangular formations formed at the confluence of rivers and larger bodies of water, play a vital role in both nature and human society.

Delta ecosystems under threat

Deltas serve as biodiversity hotspots, providing a rich habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. These unique ecosystems also act as natural barriers against storms and flooding, safeguarding coastal communities. Deltas contribute significantly to agricultural development, trade facilitation, and efficient transportation systems, making them economically crucial.

However, the stability of these essential landforms is now threatened by climate change, endangering the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, experts and dignitaries from around the world gathered at the summit to address the growing risks facing the delta regions.

A notable highlight of the event was the launch of the Global Delta Catalog by SAIARD. This comprehensive catalog provides valuable information on 32 deltas around the world, covering their geography, physiography, agricultural practices, and population statistics. By highlighting the importance of the delta as a source of livelihood, a center of biodiversity, a water resource, and a shield against disaster risks, the catalog aims to raise awareness of the critical importance of protecting these vulnerable ecosystems.

Reports from authoritative bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have already warned of the increasing dangers facing low-lying areas due to rising sea levels. Such challenges have far-reaching implications for food security, livelihoods and the frequency of extreme weather events. As deltas remain highly susceptible to these hazards, the urgent need for collaborative efforts among nations to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change has become increasingly apparent.

Loss and damage

During the summit, Dr. Salimul Haque, Director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), stressed the imperative for joint action between the governments of India and Bangladesh in the delta region.

Dr. Haque advocated for climate action through people-to-people cooperation, highlighting the importance of strengthening collaboration at the local, regional and national levels.

He proposed the establishment of a collaborative research and action group, fostering academic collaboration on climate change adaptation, loss and damage, and the development of locally led community adaptation programs.

Echoing Dr Haque's sentiments, Harjeet Singh of Climate Action Network International underscored the need for cooperation among the G77 countries to address the vulnerabilities faced by delta regions. Singh urged sharing resources and exchanging knowledge, particularly for areas like the Sundarbans.

Since major cities such as Kolkata, Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bangkok are home to significant populations residing in the delta regions, the economic value and ecosystem services provided by these major deltas are enormous. However, the destruction of these ecologically rich ecosystems and their services, including storm protection.

Erosion of Indus Valley Delta Plain

Professor Tuhin Ghosh, Director of the School of Ocean Studies at Jadavpur University, shed light on the obstacles posed by climate change, including extreme heat and waterlogging. By emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and taking calculated action, Professor Ghosh pointed to the importance of the summit as a step in the right direction. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have consistently highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing deltas around the world.

Deltas around the world face similar situations, exemplified by the erosion of the Indus Valley Delta Plain in Pakistan and the Yellow River Delta in China. The combination of sea level rise and sediment depletion poses an unprecedented threat of flooding and submergence in these regions by the end of the century.

Dr. Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, President of SAIARD, underlined the economic importance of deltas as thriving centers of activity. He stressed the need to harness the resilience and adaptability of delta communities to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Seeing the summit as a crucial milestone, Dr Chowdhury highlighted his role in addressing the challenges facing delta regions on a global scale.

Particularly vulnerable to frequent devastating floods, the Ganges delta, home to an estimated 120 million people, faces heightened risks from strong Himalayan runoff and heavy monsoon rains.

Kolkata: High vulnerability to disasters

Dr. Anjal Prakash, IPCC Coordinating Lead Author and Professor at the Indian Business School, emphasized the role of climate change in exacerbating these events.

Prakash emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making processes involving affected local communities, the establishment of social safety nets to reduce migration, and initiatives to boost local economies and improve the effectiveness of insurance mechanisms. by addressing social vulnerabilities.

Delta cities like Kolkata are among the top ten globally in terms of vulnerability to multi-hazard risks and disaster-related mortality.

Dr. Anamitra Anurag Danda, WWF India's Sundarbans Program Manager, highlighted the importance of anticipating challenges and using scientific knowledge to prepare for climate-related issues.

Manoj Yadav, Senior Advisor at GiZ, highlighted the importance of managing expectations regarding the role of the insurance industry in mitigating climate risks. Yadav mentioned that the significant part of the losses in India due to weather related events are not insured.

He cited West Bengal's collaboration with ISRO on an insurance program that uses technology to assess damage and expedite compensation. Yadav stressed the need for accurate, reliable and transparent technological solutions for damage assessment and called for interdisciplinary research and capacity building.

Sustainable Delta Management Plan

Professor Runa Sarkar from IIM Calcutta addressed the challenges facing delta regions in relation to climate change and adaptive capacities. Sarkar highlighted the Reserve Bank of India's serious approach to climate finance and the associated challenges of financing adaptation, which is highly dependent on grants and donations due to its public nature and long-term process.

Dr. Sanjib Bandyapadhyay from the India Meteorological Department spoke about the department's efforts to provide essential data and enable early warning systems for effective planning.

The Delta International Summit served as a prominent platform for experts, scientists and senior officials to deliberate on the future of the delta's fragile ecosystems. Debasish Sen, CMD, HIDCO, Government of West Bengal, stressed the urgency of implementing a Sustainable Delta Management Plan to restore and rejuvenate the natural conditions affected by unscientific human encroachments and flawed government policies.

On the second day of the summit, Dr. Balamurugan, Executive Director of the Department of Environment, delivered a commemorative lecture in honor of Dr. Dhrubajyoti Ghosh, recognized as 'India's Wetland Man'. Dr. Balamurugan emphasized the need to safeguard wetlands to mitigate climate impacts such as heat island effect, flooding and cyclones.

The two-day summit was attended by various dignitaries from various embassies, including representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Brazil, who attended both physically and virtually.

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