Climate Action in the Urban Realm - The Road to COP28

In an era defined by the urgent need for climate action, cities are emerging as crucial battlegrounds for change. 4.4 billion people live in urban areas, i.e., more than half of the world's population. Cities serve as dynamic catalysts for growth, propelling and steering economic advancement and prosperity. However, as cities are emerging as the concentration points of economic activities, they are rapidly expanding and becoming hubs of energy use, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions, and the strain on resources worsens, aggravating and contributing significantly to the global climate crisis through large carbon footprints and increased air pollution.

As the global community turns its attention to the deliberations and outcomes of COP28, nations must underscore the pivotal results emanating from the Urban 20 (U20) engagement group during India's presidency of the G20. The endorsement of key outcomes by 105 cities is a significant foundation, offering a starting point to translate intentions into concrete actions. In the dynamic landscape of evolving global sustainability agendas, there is an urgent need to localise efforts, emphasising embedding science-based, inclusive climate action at the core of decision-making processes. Localised efforts that place science-based, inclusive climate action at the heart of decision-making are imperative.

As cities continue to innovate and collaborate and set inspiring examples for urban areas, combating global warming and climate change requires individual and collaborative efforts at all levels. Climate change is one area that requires inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination not just within the government but also with the private sector. The IPPC reports refer to and warn against an evident and growing human influence on climate, with a severe, irreversible impact on people and ecosystems. Therefore, citizen's involvement is paramount in making these initiatives successful.

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, as per the World Economic Outlook for 2020[1] and 2021[2] . In the last eight years, through Indian Urban Missions such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Smart Cities Mission, Urban Transport, and AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, an investment to the tune of over EUR 185 billion[3] has been made aligning with India's agenda for a 'future ready' India.

Indian cities, positioned as pioneers in sustainable urban development, are uniquely poised to integrate health, resilience, and sustainability into their policy frameworks. This is necessary and presents an opportune moment for these cities to ascend as global leaders in the collective endeavour to combat climate change. The multifaceted approach adopted by Indian cities has propelled climate action within the built environment.

India has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable practices through two pledges by 2030. Firstly, the nation aims to derive 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources, marking a substantial stride towards a greener energy landscape. Secondly, a targeted reduction of the economy's carbon intensity to below 45% underscores India's dedication to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The National Mission for Sustainable Habitat (NMSH), a pivotal component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change within the urban sector, delineates strategic approaches and guidelines for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With nineteen of its seventy-five proposed actions directly linked to cities, the LIFE mission further underscores urban areas' significant role in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

1.????? Localised Climate Action Agendas: Cities are at the forefront of the battle against climate change. Aligning city-level goals with national and sub-national climate targets is essential. Robust governance structures, comprehensive institutional frameworks, and enhanced financial management capabilities are pivotal in ensuring the transparent, accountable, and effective utilisation of funds for local climate action agendas. Identifying and prioritising bankable climate projects aligned with standards propels cities toward sustainable, climate-resilient development. Pune, known as the "Oxford of the East," has adopted a robust climate action plan aligned with national goals. The city has established a Climate Change Department, showcasing a commitment to localised governance structures. By identifying bankable climate projects such as renewable energy installations and sustainable public transport, Pune is actively contributing to India's climate targets.

2.????? Sustainable Urban Planning: Sustainable urban planning is the bedrock for climate action. Regulations mandating the construction of new environmentally conscious buildings and retrofitting existing structures lay the groundwork for a future characterised by green-blue urban landscapes. Embracing circular economy practices and integrating Mobility and nature-based Solutions in water, waste management, and construction further supports the transition to resilient green infrastructure. Kochi, a port city in Kerala, is making strides in sustainable urban planning. The town has implemented regulations requiring new buildings to operate at net zero and incentivising retrofitting of older structures. With a focus on circular economy practices, Kochi is transitioning towards green infrastructure, emphasising the use of renewable energy in urban services. Coimbatore is solving the urban green space challenge using the urban design thinking (UDT) methodology. The idea is to look for small-scale solutions at the neighbourhood level that could be implemented, tested locally and replicated further in other parts of the city.

3.????? Inclusive and Just Transitions: Climate action necessitates inclusivity. Providing green career opportunities, particularly for youth and women, and offering incentives and support for workers transitioning to a green economy are essential to fostering inclusive and just climate transitions. Establishing mechanisms and focusing on mainstreaming marginalised groups ensures that no one is left behind. Chennai, grappling with the impacts of climate change, has launched a Green Jobs Initiative. This program focuses on creating green career opportunities for youth and women. Chennai's commitment to just transitions is evident in its efforts to provide skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling programs, ensuring the workforce is prepared for a green and well-being economy.

4.????? Behavioural Change for Environmental Responsibility: Encouraging individuals to adopt simple pro-environmental actions within the framework of institutional policies facilitates the shift from a 'use and dispose of' economy to a circular economy. Matching funds with policy commitments and incentivising environmentally responsible practices foster a culture of sustainability. Bengaluru, India's IT hub, is addressing environmental responsibility through innovative waste management practices. Stringent regulations and transparent monitoring mechanisms ensure the city is moving towards a zero-waste goal. By incentivising responsible waste disposal practices, Bengaluru is fostering a culture of sustainability at the grassroots level. Ahmedabad, facing water scarcity challenges, has embraced water-sensitive urban design. The city's regulations prioritise creating retention areas and pervious surfaces to recharge groundwater.

5.????? Overhauling Development Finance: Developing standardised taxonomies and mechanisms empowers cities to access climate finance directly, thereby nurturing a foundation for a resilient urban future. The scale of this endeavour is substantial, requiring an annual investment exceeding three to six times the current financing levels. According to the Center for Energy Finance, India, in isolation, is projected to require a staggering $10 trillion in investments until 2070 to attain its net-zero emissions target successfully. Mumbai, a coastal megacity, is channelling development finance toward climate-resilient infrastructure. By incentivising investments in sustainable projects and incorporating just transition considerations, Mumbai is leading the way in transforming its urban landscape. The city's efforts align with national priorities and contribute to the broader discourse on climate justice. The State government of Tamil Nadu formed a Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) to support cities in fighting climate challenges.

6.????? Promoting Local Economic Development: Supporting creative and cultural industries and encouraging citizen participation contributes to developing vibrant and sustainable communities with a strong sense of place. Jaipur, renowned for its cultural heritage, promotes local economic development through culture and creative industries. The city's policies support artisan studios, shared workspaces, and local enterprises. By fostering a sense of place through citizen participation in planning and design, Jaipur ensures that economic development is inclusive and sustainable.

7.????? Harnessing Digital Innovation: Promoting digital literacy, addressing the impacts of digitalisation on the workforce, and facilitating data-informed decision-making are critical drivers for sustainable urban development in the era of digital innovation. Cities nationwide emphasise open data, digital literacy, and inclusive technologies, paving the way for a digitally innovative future. Cities are experimenting with applications that use crowdsourcing to help identify urban problems and maintenance issues.

Cities are becoming beacons of change, fostering a harmonious balance between urban development and environmental well-being. The policymakers, at the city or state level, must further adopt a global birds-eye point of view of where their country stands regarding emission levels and balance their growth needs with more extensive climate commitments. The future lies in the hands of cities that dare to innovate, collaborate, and lead the way toward a sustainable, climate-resilient world.

[1] International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2020. World economic outlook. [Online] Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2020/09/30/world-economic-outlook-october-2020 [Accessed March 2021].

[2] International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2021. World economic outlook update. [Online] Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/01/26/2021-world-economic-outlook-update [Accessed March 2021].

[3] INR 16 lakh core, EUR 1= INR 85