On 16 September, Phase II of the Gujarat Climate Action Tracker (GCAT) and 20 District-Level Climate-Smart Action Plans with Decarbonisation Pathways were officially launched by the Climate Change Department, Government of Gujarat, and the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), with technical collaboration from Vasudha Foundation.
The initiative was launched by Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Hon’ble Minister, Forests & Environment, Climate Change, Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat and Shri Pravinbhai Mali, Hon’ble Minister of State, Forests & Environment, Climate Change, Transport, Government of Gujarat.
GCAT’s Phase II builds on the first phase by strengthening the focus on translating climate data and state-level priorities into actionable interventions at the district level. This phase unlocks a deeper district-level insight through dedicated pages on decarbonisation pathways, climate vulnerability and actions beyond the energy sector.
With GCAT, Gujarat sets a precedent as the first Indian state to undertake climate action planning across all districts.
With remaining plans underway, 20 District-Level Climate-Smart Action Plans with Decarbonisation Pathways were also unveiled. These plans recognise that each district has a different profile and requires specialised needs for localised climate action.
During the launch, both Ministers highly appreciated these tailored, district-specific decarbonisation strategies, specifically highlighting the unique frameworks for Porbandar and Banaskantha as prime examples of why localised action is essential.
While all districts may not achieve net zero, a few districts will help offset emissions, leading Gujarat to collectively reach net zero, the Viksit Gujarat@2047 vision and achieve its Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025 targets.
These plans are now embedded in GCAT and available in the public domain for
– Policymakers
– District leaders
– Investors
– And for Citizens
Together, they help bridge the gap between insight and impact.
Team Vasudha also had the opportunity to meet Hon’ble Minister Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia to discuss the next steps and implementation of the district plans.
