<h1>Civil groups urge 16th Finance Commission for climate fund, damage tax, and heatwave disaster declaration.</h1> Civil society organizations have appealed to the 16th Finance Commission to advocate for a climate adaptation fund and a climate damage tax. Groups including Greenpeace and Youth for Climate India emphasized the need for the National Disaster Management Authority to declare heatwaves a national disaster, citing a 55% increase in heatwave-related deaths. They proposed a 'Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund for Vulnerable Communities' and suggested integrating climate adaptation into development programs. The organizations recommended a progressive tax on high-emission industries, with revenues supporting climate adaptation and renewable energy. They warned climate change could push millions into poverty by 2030, advocating for universal basic income and climate insurance for vulnerable communities.