Bihar requires climate adaptation funding for sustainability

Bihar is one of the states in India that is most affected by climate change. It faces serious challenges such as floods, droughts, loss of biodiversity, and health problems. According to the Economic Survey of India in 2025, regions like the Indo-Gangetic Plains, including Bihar, are at high risk. Urgent adaptation measures are necessary to prevent severe social and economic problems. To tackle these challenges, Bihar is focusing on renewable energy. In 2023, the state's power capacity reached 9,424 MW, with 30% coming from renewable sources. Bihar has strong potential for solar and biomass energy. The state is investing in solar power, electric vehicles, and a renewable energy grid to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels. This shift is important for reaching India's goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. Agriculture is a key part of Bihar's economy, making up 24.4% of its overall value and providing jobs for 54.2% of the workforce. However, climate change threatens farming, raising costs and lowering crop yields. The state’s new agricultural plan aims to promote climate-resilient farming, organic practices, new technologies, and research to ensure both economic viability and environmental care. Forests are crucial for reducing carbon, conserving biodiversity, and building climate resilience. Bihar's forest cover grew by 3.42% over the last decade, reaching 7,532 km² in 2023. The state also increased green cover outside of forests. However, it lost 61 hectares of natural forest in 2023, leading to significant carbon emissions. More efforts in afforestation and sustainable forest management are needed to counter these losses. Bihar also struggles with pollution and waste management. As the state develops, waste generation has increased significantly. With limited waste treatment facilities, proper waste management is a challenge. The state introduced Green Budgeting in 2020-21 to include environmental sustainability in financial planning. Additionally, Bihar launched the Jal Jeevan Hariyali Abhiyan in 2019 to encourage afforestation and pollution control. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board is working with the United Nations to create a low carbon development plan aiming for net-zero emissions. Despite these efforts, Bihar has a low score in climate action and faces looming climate dangers. Projections indicate higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns by 2047. Bihar has 14 districts among the 50 most vulnerable to climate change in India. To secure funding for climate resilience, the 16th Finance Commission must consider these risks in resource allocation. Without decisive actions, Bihar's issues related to food security, health, and economic stability may worsen. Sustainable development and proactive adaptation are essential for a secure future amid uncertain climate conditions.