Meghalaya is taking strong steps to fight climate change. The state has joined the global Under2 Coalition, making it the seventh Indian state to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. With 75% forest cover, Meghalaya is rich in biodiversity, but deforestation due to timber logging, coal mining, and sand mining is causing environmental damage
Meghalaya’s Climate Goals
India aims to reach net zero by 2070, but Meghalaya is already a carbon-negative state. The government has introduced a new development model called the ‘Environment State’ to integrate nature into economic planning. This model aims to transform Meghalaya’s economy from one driven by deforestation to one focused on regeneration and sustainability, with initiatives like The Meghalayan Express offering eco-friendly travel options to support this vision.
Key Initiatives in the Climate Action Plan
Meghalaya is updating its State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) with new strategies:
- Nature Asset Registry – Using advanced technology to assess forest value and climate benefits, such as water regulation and carbon absorption.
- Nature Banking – Assigning economic value to forests and biodiversity, introducing initiatives like carbon farming and regenerative agriculture.
- Nature-Based Legislation – Developing laws to give forests legal rights and create climate emergency regulations.
- Nature-Based Livelihoods – Promoting eco-tourism, forest therapy, and sustainable agriculture, such as using pineapples to make vegan leather.
- Public Awareness – Establishing India’s first Climate Change Museum to educate people and encourage climate discussions.
Other efforts include using artificial intelligence to predict forest fires and algae to clean rivers.
Community Participation
Since the government owns only 7% of Meghalaya’s land, local communities play a major role in managing forests. The government follows a bottom-up approach, where communities lead conservation efforts. Initiatives like a traveling climate awareness program and a digital library of indigenous plant species are helping engage locals in climate action.
Funding Climate Action
Meghalaya is creating financial strategies to support its climate goals. By assessing the economic value of natural resources, the state plans to attract global climate funds. Future projects include carbon markets, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem conservation as sources of revenue.
A Just and Fair Transition
Meghalaya’s climate action is not just about reducing emissions but also about ensuring fairness. The state wants to balance traditional knowledge with modern technology. Eco-tourism, forest-based wellness programs, and sustainable agriculture are ways to create jobs while protecting nature.
Budget and Policy Changes
Meghalaya has allocated 15% of its budget to climate action. The focus is on green infrastructure, sustainable industries, and waste management. A special State Council on Climate Action has been formed to coordinate efforts.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
To combat deforestation, Meghalaya is shifting its economy towards conservation. By promoting eco-tourism and forest-based industries, the state aims to turn climate action into an opportunity rather than a crisis.
