|
Main Scientific
Issues
Extended
discussions on different aspects of the scientific issues
concluded that so far, almost all major scientific
initiatives, research and data output had been from the
developed countries, even when they pertain to developing
countries. It was strongly felt that developing countries must
undertake some relevant scientific studies of their own. It
was, therefore, decided that CANSA should undertake some
research activities and encourage other Southern institutions
to initiate quantitative research on climate change issues.
The following were identified as scientific issues for
immediate attention.
Re-evaluation
of GHG emission
Data
inadequacy in GHG emission estimates being commonly used was
identified as a major weakness. The CANSA member NGOs will
undertake a re-evaluation of existing data and generate more
reliable data. An example is that CANSA has initiated a
discussion to use G252 computer programme developed by the
Stockholm Environment Institute in estimation procedure and
evaluate its applicability to selected South Asia region
countries.
Mitigation
Strategies
Given the
emphasis of the need for country studies to determine the cost
of GHG mitigation measures it would be useful for CANSA
members to undertake country-specific GHG emission mitigation
cost curves. TERI has started the development of a framework
which, when developed, can be used by other countries. CANSA
amy facilitate such a process.
Impact
Studies
Sectoral and
sub-regional impacts in each country and also regional impacts
studies in South Asia region need to be undertaken. BCAS has
already completed a study of the impacts of one-metre
sea-level rise in Bangladesh and this methodology could be
adapted in other South Asian countries. In most countries
impacts are probably the most important concerns e.g.,
increased temperature will enhance ice-melt in the Himalayas
affecting Nepal and other countries in South Asia. Similarly,
sea-level rise is likely to have devastating effects on the
Maldives. Developing a hazard map of the region will be a
preliminary activity.
Methane
Emission
The lack of
data in the South Asian region was recognized as a major
uncertainty in estimating GHG emissions. This has given rise
to proposed policy decision on the basis of highly inadequate
data. Participants felt that conflicting political interest
would result in compounding these uncertainties and may work
against the interest of the South Asian countries. Some work,
however, has been initiated in this area e.g. CSIR and
National Physical Laboratory, India are collaborating with
Dhaka University in Bangladesh and TERI in New Delhi is
conducting research on methane emission in some countries.
Results of these works and methodologies developed will be
adapted to research in other countries and policy implications
evaluated.
Survey of GHG
Indices and Warming Potentials
The CSE study
has drawn attention to the political economy implication of
the selection of indices/time-frame. Some work is being
undertaken by TERI and CSE and the policy implications will be
circulated to CANSA member NGOs.
|
CANSA >
Main Scientific Issues
