By Dr. Asangba Tzudir
The Nagaland Climate Action Forum 2026 will kick off on January 21 in Dimapur. This event comes at a crucial time, as climate change is now a pressing issue for many in Nagaland, particularly in urban areas like Dimapur. Just weeks into the New Year, locals are already feeling the heat, with rising temperatures and unusual rain patterns affecting daily life.
In the past, discussions around climate change have often revolved around awareness campaigns and observances like World Environment Day. While these have raised public awareness, they haven’t led to meaningful policy changes or community engagement. The Nagaland Climate Action Forum aims to change that by acting as a bridge between climate knowledge and practical governance.
Dimapur, as Nagaland’s urban hub, faces unique challenges. Rapid urbanization has created economic opportunities but also heightened environmental risks. Issues like heat stress, poor drainage, and loss of green spaces can threaten public health and the city’s resilience. The forum’s theme, “From Heat to Action: Rethinking Urban Resilience in Dimapur,” underscores the urgent need to focus on these local challenges.
A key goal of the forum is to promote data-driven policies. It plans to release a Working White Paper with findings on urban heat and land use specific to Dimapur. Local data will help shape targeted interventions—something national or global data often misses. Tailored policies can make a real difference in how we prepare for climate impacts.
The forum also acknowledges climate justice. Extreme weather often hits vulnerable communities hardest—think low-income families, day laborers, and those in informal settlements. To build resilience, we must consider social equity as part of the broader climate conversation.
The collaborative effort involving local government, youth groups, and civil society brings hope. Still, it’s essential for the community to engage actively. Climate action shouldn’t fall solely on the government. Citizens can encourage accountability and prompt change by becoming involved. Their voices matter and can help push for real action rather than mere convenience.
However, the true measure of success for the Nagaland Climate Action Forum will come after January 21. Forums only matter if their recommendations lead to actual policy changes—like funding and zoning laws. Urban planning must not only address heat mitigation but also improve drainage systems and regulate land use effectively.
Nagaland is running out of time. Climate impacts are real and intensifying with each passing year. Delaying action will only escalate the costs associated with inaction. The hope is that this forum can transform discussions into lasting policies and foster a sense of collective responsibility. This could be a pivotal moment for Nagaland’s climate journey, but we must ensure it leads in the right direction, not another missed opportunity.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com).
