Looking Back at Climate Change Impact on Sri Lanka in 2023: Insights from Summits and Mitigation Efforts

Introduction

Climate change is an ever-pressing global concern, and its impact on countries like Sri Lanka is increasingly evident in 2023. The year has seen significant developments in international summits, where nations converged to address climate-related challenges. This article delves into the specific ways climate change is affecting Sri Lanka this year and the measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Vulnerability

Sri Lanka’s geographical location as a tropical island in the Indian Ocean brings both benefits and challenges in terms of weather and climate. In 2023, the island experienced a typical tropical monsoonal climate, characterized by continuous heat and humidity throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry periods. While this climate offers unique advantages, it also exposes the nation to vulnerabilities, especially concerning extreme weather events such as flood and coastal susceptibility, especially in Southern province.

Changing Weather Patterns and Agriculture

Approximately 70% of Sri Lanka’s land is part of the dry zone, primarily situated in the northern, north-central, and eastern regions. In 2023, Sri Lanka faced an unusual challenge as the typically warm and hot temperatures intensified due to a harsh drought. This situation took a toll on the country’s dry zone, particularly affecting farmers who grappled with soaring temperatures and insufficient rainfall. The adverse impact on agriculture, including vital sectors like chili cultivation, raised concerns about the resilience of Sri Lanka’s farmers.

Biodiversity Loss and Conservation Efforts

Climate change emerges as a significant driver behind the decline in fauna populations globally. Warming temperatures alter the animal’s habitats, migration patterns, and reproductive processes. For an instance, in 2023, Sri Lanka witnessed a concerning decline in its sparrow population, marking a stark contrast to the lively scenes of sparrows flocking around houses that were once commonplace. This decline is part of a global trend impacting bird populations, with sparrows being particularly affected. the decline of sparrows in Sri Lanka reflects broader global challenges related to climate change, urbanization, and technological impacts.

Extreme Weather Events and Infrastructure Risks

In 2023, Sri Lanka faces heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as floods, storms, and heatwaves, situation exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic factors. The country is ranked 100th out of 181 countries on the Disaster Vulnerability Index, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. This vulnerability is a result of climate change impacts, poor economic planning, and mismanagement of funds allocated for town planning projects.

Observations from Climate Conferences

The Climate Fact Checks team actively participated in the 7th International Conference on Climate Change, held at the Taj Samudra hotel on February 9th and 10th, 2023. The conference covered a diverse range of research areas, comprising 14 tracks. Some noteworthy tracks included. A panel discussion addressed the timely topic of whether the goal of climate action and net-zero targets could be achieved amid the ongoing climate and economic crisis

Aa a summary, the International Conference on Climate Change in 2023 provided a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the sharing of innovative solutions to address climate challenges. 

Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

The approval of US$ 3 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka comes at a critical juncture in 2023 while the country was grappling with a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a series of external shocks and policy missteps. 

The IMF program outlined six key objectives, ranging from fiscal consolidation to restoring public debt sustainability and ensuring financial stability. While these objectives are crucial for overall economic recovery, the extent to which climate change considerations are integrated remains a pertinent question.  The IMF report stressed the importance of identifying climate vulnerabilities and adaptation gaps. This involves synthesizing information on climate impacts, addressing information gaps, and developing a roadmap for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process. 

Climate Adaptation – Sri Lankan Government’s 2024 Budget on Climate Change

The recently announced Sri Lankan government budget for the year 2024 has garnered significant attention for its potential impact on climate change initiatives. Crucially, it also outlined key strategies and allocations aimed at addressing climate change, fostering sustainability, and building resilience.

One noteworthy component of the budget is the provision for disaster loans. Given Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns, the allocation of funds for disaster loans is strategic. Acknowledging the global priority of addressing climate change, the budget emphasizes the role of universities in research, education, and innovation. A significant focus of the 2024 budget is the establishment of a green economy in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the budget allocates funds for the development of renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, solar, and wind. 

COP 28 Commitments

As the world anticipates COP 28 in Dubai, Sri Lanka emerged as a proactive player, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The country’s delegation to the conference carried a distinctive agenda, focusing on three pivotal proposals: the Climate Justice Forum, the Tropical Belt Initiative, and the establishment of a Climate Change University. While some are criticizing, some believe this marked a significant milestone as Sri Lanka made its presence felt on the global climate action stage.

A notable aspect of Sri Lanka’s approach was its acknowledgment of the challenges faced by approximately 136 countries within the tropical belt. By championing initiatives like the Climate Justice Forum, Sri Lanka strived to unite nations facing similar vulnerabilities, advocating for principled decisions and urgent climate action.

Conclusion

In 2023, climate change poses multifaceted challenges to Sri Lanka. The insights gained from international summits, have propelled the nation toward strategic mitigation efforts. By addressing rising sea levels, adapting agriculture, fortifying infrastructure, and prioritizing biodiversity conservation, Sri Lanka strives to build resilience in the face of an evolving climate. As the nation navigates these challenges, global cooperation remains crucial in fostering sustainable solutions and securing a climate-resilient future for all. 

-With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige –