Tamil Nadu's Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation

Objective: Climate change is viewed as an opportunity for growth that safeguards both nature and people.

Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC)

Established as one of India's first dedicated agencies to coordinate and track climate-related work.

Key Missions of TNGCC

• Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM)
• Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTNM)
• Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission (TNWM)
• Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN SHORE)

These missions drive emission reduction, ecosystem restoration, and livelihood resilience.

Achievements and Goals

• Net Zero Target: Aim to achieve net zero well before 2070.
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory: Covers emissions from 2005 to 2019, revealing a 60% reduction in emission intensity to GDP.
• Renewable Energy: Accounts for 60% of installed power capacity and 30% of total electricity generated.
• District-level Decarbonization: Plans for four districts to abate emissions by 92% and sequester three million tonnes of CO2 by 2050.

District-specific Emission Insights

• Nilgiris and Coimbatore: Road transport is a major contributor to GHG emissions.
• Virudhunagar: Cement and industrial energy are significant contributors.
• Ramanathapuram: Public electricity generation and rice cultivation are major contributors.

Shovel Ready Projects

Projects set to begin in 2025 covering electric mobility, waste management, forest restorations, and industrial decarbonization.

Future Plans and Implementation

• Climate Action Tracker: A tool for monitoring progress, accessible online.
• Project Management Unit: To be established in pilot districts for effective implementation.

Key Initiatives in Biodiversity and Conservation

• Large-scale afforestation
• Mangrove and wetland restoration
• Biodiversity protection with 20 Ramsar-designated wetlands
• Protection of 30% of land area

Comprehensive Approach

Inclusion of agriculture, livestock, and waste sectors in low-carbon transition and emphasis on community participation.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu's climate leadership focuses on building verifiable and participatory systems rather than just setting targets, offering a model for deepening national intent through local innovation and evidence-led governance.