This Climate Change and Environment Action Plan studies the past, present and the future of the district of Rajkot from both the climate and policy perspective to know where the district stands in terms of meeting India’s climate commitments. Based on the findings, it evolves concrete recommendations and the way forward for the district collector and other in-line departments.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made it abundantly evident that anthropogenic activities have a far-reaching impact
on the environment. On the flip side though, climate action has received a setback. Several mitigation and adaptation-centric sectors have experienced unforeseen shifts. For instance, an overburdened health infrastructure has not been able to accommodate climate-related health issues. Considerable job losses have further diminished the adaptive capacities of the poor and vulnerable. Moreover, there has been a substantial spike in the waste sector emissions with
the rise in covid-related waste incineration and increased disposal of single use plastic.

The action plan, therefore, takes a holistic view of the current policies and recommends steps that need to be taken
in the short-, medium- and long-term to bring about the necessary changes that are in compliance with India’s overall
climate goals and commitments.