Environmental Sciences

The Way Forward for Net Zero: Aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Holistic Sustainable Development in South Asia

The Way Forward for Net Zero: Aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Holistic Sustainable Development in South Asia.

Integrating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), augmented with collective and collaborative actions, is instrumental in making South Asia’s future sustainable and resilient.

Author

Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri, Department of Accountancy and Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka; Adjunct Faculty, University Center for Research and Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Punjab, India

W. K. A. C. Gnanapala, Department of Tourism Management, Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

Mananage Shanika Hansini Rathnasiri, Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

Mohit Yadav, Associate Professor, Jindal Global Business School, Jindal Global University, Haryana, India

Lalit Mohan Tewari, Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Uttarakhand, Nainital, India

Udgam Mishra, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Summary

This chapter explores the intersection of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and sustainable development goals in the context of South Asia, with an emphasis on net zero emissions. It provides an overview of NDCs and their role in global climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the significance of net zero emissions for mitigating climate change.

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the study uses a systematic literature review method to analyze fifty-six (56) articles and identify critical insights. The research investigates the current status of NDCs in South Asia, including country profiles, commitments, progress, and challenges. It also explores strategies for integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with NDCs, sectoral approaches to net zero, policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, technology and innovation, monitoring and verification systems, and case studies of successful initiatives.

We propose strategic policy recommendations for policymakers to enhance the alignment of NDCs with sustainable development goals. Additionally, areas for future research are identified, including impact assessment, technology innovation, policy integration, behavioral change, and climate justice. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of collective action and collaboration in advancing South Asia toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Published in: Dewasiri, N.J., Gnanapala, W.K.A.C., Rathnasiri, M.S.H., Yadav, M., Tewari, L.M., Mishra, U. (2024). The Way Forward for Net Zero: Aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Holistic Sustainable Development in South Asia. In: Singh, R., Crowther, D. (eds) Transition Towards a Sustainable Future. Approaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance. Springer, Singapore.

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