Env. Min. calls for public comments on National Climate Change Policy 2023

The Environment Ministry yesterday called for public comments on the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) 2023. 
The call for public comments is made to gather new insights to update the NCCP that was published in 2012. 
In a notice published, the Environment Ministry said the call comes after many parties pointing out the need to address the emerging climate vulnerabilities, changing national priorities, new and emerging global developments and identifying the benefits that stem from climate-related programmes, mechanisms 
and funding. 

“The Environment Ministry is considering the importance of incorporating these emerging needs since the formulation of the NCCP in 2012 has updated the policy,” it said in the notice. 
Accordingly, the draft NPCC is open for public comments and has been uploaded to the Environment Ministry website for perusal. Those interested are expected to share comments and suggestions on or before October 11, 2023.
The updated NPCC addresses the gaps identified in relation to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate financing that hinders planning, implementation and monitoring of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for climate change impacts at national level and in compliance with other national policies. 
The updated policy is guided by the changes in processes, practices and structures and adjustments in ecological, social and economic systems. It also focuses on the complex interactions between climate risks and socioeconomic factors, while improving the climate resilience of sectors and communities of Sri Lanka. 
The ministry stressed that the updated policy would not be a standalone guiding document but would be implemented in coherence with other national policies adopted by the country through strong inter-institutional coordination and with the active engagement of all stakeholders.