limate change is an imminent crisis, forming a prevalent shadow over the South Asian landscapes. With quickening environmental shifts wreaking havoc on communities, economies and ecosystems, the region faces many challenges. The urgency of addressing climate change in South Asia cannot be overstated, as rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and ecological imbalances pose unparalleled challenges.

Impactful climate governance develops as the cornerstone in directing this extreme landscape. Forming robust frameworks and policies is vital to mitigate the unfavourable impacts of climate change and adopt resilience within the region. Yet, the complexity of these challenges necessitates a collaborative approach that transcends national boundaries and singular efforts. This, of course, is a challenge in itself because the regional actors have a history of strife-prone bilateral relations, which mark regional politics.

Amidst this necessity, the attention turns to the latency of coalition building as a step forward in developing some agency amidst the regional actors. The focus lies not merely in actions by a single state but in fostering collective actions, initiating dialogue and eventually alliances and devising unified strategies for sustainable solutions.

South Asia’s ecological balance is crumbling under the weight of climate vulnerabilities, presenting an assortment of challenges that call for immediate attention. This region is bound by a common thread of climate-related adversities. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, the impacts resonate across nations, transcending borders.

Agriculture, which is the backbone of most, if not all, South Asian economies, bears the brunt of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, which lead to hostile and catastrophic floods in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, prolonged droughts and more frequent extreme weather events disrupt crop cycles, imperiling food security for millions. Simultaneously, water resources face unprecedented strain, with glacial melt in the Himalayas intensifying water scarcity and threatening freshwater availability for agriculture, drinking and sanitation.

The consequences extend beyond agricultural landscapes, permeating South Asia’s rich biodiversity. Ecosystems in the region are under pressure as rising temperatures and habitat disruptions escalate, triggering biodiversity loss and endangering unique flora and fauna. The delicate balance nurtured over centuries faces imminent peril. This is common to Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan.

Intertwined with these challenges lies the need for corresponding action. The interdependencies among agriculture, water resources and biodiversity underscore the criticality of a unified response to alleviate and adapt to these challenges. Concerted endeavours, which should go beyond the geopolitical boundaries as well as the geo-strategic competition and intra-state hostility, are necessary to preserve livelihoods, ensure resource sustainability and preserve the region’s ecological heritage.

Across South Asian countries, diverse climate policies and frameworks have emerged, reflecting each nation’s unique challenges and priorities. From ambitious renewable energy targets to adaptation strategies tailored to regional nuances, these policies exemplify varied yet earnest attempts to combat climate change. Bhutan, for example, has put a lot of focus on climate vulnerabilities in its constitution and has adopted a number of laws to protect and preserve the environment. Bangladesh has passed the National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) and is also preparing monitoring systems and adopting the National REDD+ Strategy for reduction in emissions. Maldives has a Climate Change Policy Framework which revolves around climate change initiatives.

Yet, challenges persist in the realm of implementation. There are funding gaps and limited institutional capacities. The main one is the lack of cohesive regional strategies on climate change vulnerabilities. This often hampers the effectiveness of individual efforts. For effective climate governance on a regional level that will lend credence to climate initiatives, collaboration is essential.

Amidst this, the probability of regional collaboration to complement national efforts seems promising. By pooling resources, sharing expertise and aligning policies, South Asian nations can benefit from expertise and innovations as well as transcend individual limitations. Collaborative mechanisms can facilitate technology transfer, reinforce capacity building and bridge financial gaps, fostering collective resilience against shared climate challenges.

Highlighting areas where regional collaboration intersects with and supplements national strategies will be pivotal in ushering in a more robust and effective climate governance paradigm in South Asia.

Despite the imperative for collaboration, barriers persist in the path towards effective coalition building in South Asia. As mentioned before, geopolitical tensions and conflicting national interests often obstruct unified efforts. Overcoming these hurdles demands diplomatic finesse and sustained commitment from all stakeholders. Collaborative research endeavours, technology-sharing platforms and regional climate action plans are productive grounds for cooperation. Leveraging existing regional forums and partnerships can intensify efforts towards a shared vision of sustainability.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges demands a comprehensive approach. Political commitment and cooperation are indispensable to circumnavigate geopolitical complexities. Strengthening institutional frameworks and fostering trust among nations are vital pillars for sustainable collaboration. Collaborative efforts to navigate these challenges and seize opportunities for collaboration will determine the success of regional initiatives aimed at combating climate change in South Asia.

Reinforcement of climate governance in South Asia demands a strategic and cohesive approach. First and foremost, the formation of region-specific climate action plans is crucial. This should address the shared vulnerabilities and align goals to ensure a unified response to climate risks. Countries like India and Pakistan will have to put their geopolitical and strategic hostility to one side for this common cause. Concurrently, development of knowledge exchange platforms among South Asian nations is crucial because this can enable the sharing of technical expertise and best practices as well as foster collaboration and harness collective learning. Investing in joint research initiatives focusing on regional climate challenges and innovative solutions is equally important to allow for a collective pool of intelligence to drive impactful change.

The emphasis on political will and commitment is pivotal. Encouraging high-level political dialogue to prioritise climate action and establishing consensus on shared goals is necessary for continued efforts. Integrating climate goals into national policies and regulatory frameworks, backed by long-term commitment, institutionalizes these efforts, making them enduring and effective.

In tandem, leveraging existing regional forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation becomes instrumental in facilitating collaborative efforts. Establishing joint funding mechanisms to support climate projects and capacity-building initiatives addresses financial gaps, while forging stronger partnerships with international organisations provides access to expertise, technology and financial resources, fortifying South Asia’s capacity for robust climate governance. These strategic approaches, underpinned by collaboration and commitment, are integral to addressing shared climate challenges in the region effectively.

At the heart of operative climate governance lies the bedrock of coalition building, an indispensable cornerstone in navigating the complexities of the climate crisis. The collaborative spirit among South Asian states must transcend geopolitical boundaries, fostering a collective resilience imperative for tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Moreover, within this alliance lies the potential for South Asian countries to soar as trailblazers in global climate governance. Through leveraging their collective strengths and unity, these nations build the capacity to lead by example, showcasing innovative strategies and unified action to address climate issues. The attainment of such leadership demands a unified call to action—a rallying of South Asian countries above differences, amalgamating resources, knowledge and political will. This unity is essential to combat shared climate challenges effectively and pave the way for a sustainable future, resonating across generations.

The writer is a project manager with Idara-i-Taleem-o-Agahi