A man walks in sweltering heat in a Karnataka town. (Representative image)
Credit: iStock File Photo
Bengaluru: Melkote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah introduced the Karnataka Climate Change Authority Bill in the Assembly on Thursday.
Piloting his private Bill, Darshan underlined that agriculture will be hit the most by climate change in Karnataka, a state that has faced drought in 17 out of the last 24 years.
"Climate change is a problem faced by the entire world. Droughts, floods and such extreme weather events are impacting agricultural yield, leading to disastrous effects such as food shortage, economic slowdown and so on. An increase of 1-2 degrees centigrade will bring agricultural production down by 10-20%," Darshan said.
"By 2050, the global GDP will fall by 18% if precautionary measures aren't taken, according to the World Bank and IMF," Darshan said, adding that the proposed climate change secretariat will bring all government departments under one roof.
The private member's Bill will be taken up for consideration at a later date, Speaker UT Khader said. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil welcomed the Bill.
Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda sought the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on climate change.
Belur MLA HK Suresh also tabled his private Belur-Halebidu World Heritage Area Management Authority Bill.