Integrated approach to urban climate challenges in India

Promoting low-carbon transport: As transportation is a significant source of urban emissions, Indian cities are exploring low-carbon transport solutions like electric vehicles, expanded metro systems, and bike lanes. Efforts to boost public transport connectivity, particularly in dense urban centers, help reduce emissions, alleviate congestion, and make climate-friendly mobility more accessible to all. 
 

Adopting sustainable building standards: Given that buildings contribute a large portion of urban emissions, Indian cities are turning to energy-efficient building designs that incorporate solar panels, cool roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. The push towards sustainable buildings not only supports energy efficiency but also lowers operational costs, benefiting residents and municipalities alike. 
 

Managing heat stress in urban areas: Extreme heat has become a pressing challenge, especially in cities with dense populations and limited green spaces. Strategies such as integrating shaded parks, green rooftops, and water bodies help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Several Indian cities are already implementing Heat Action Plans to reduce the health risks associated with extreme temperatures. For example, the CHARISMA project has developed a Thermal Comfort Action Plan that, using advanced modeling techniques and high-resolution satellite imagery, allows cities to gain a detailed understanding of area-specific conditions. This approach enables tailored adaptation measures that consider how citizens experience heat stress (thermal comfort) rather than focusing only on air temperature, making urban spaces more resilient to rising temperatures. 
 

Enhancing air and water quality: Air pollution remains one of India’s most urgent health challenges, with cities like Delhi frequently facing hazardous air quality levels. Policies that shift energy production toward renewables, promote electric mobility, and enforce stricter industrial emissions standards are key to improving air quality. Similarly, water management requires effective solutions like wastewater treatment and efficient irrigation to ensure clean, accessible water resources for urban populations. 
 

Implementing sustainable waste management: As urban populations grow, so does the challenge of managing municipal solid waste. Emphasizing recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies reduces landfill dependency and lowers emissions from methane-rich waste decomposition. Some Indian cities have pioneered circular economy initiatives, such as flower recycling in Ayodhya, to manage waste sustainably while creating economic opportunities. 
 

Focusing on public health and community inclusion: Resilient cities place a high priority on public health. Passive cooling in buildings, green infrastructure, and pollution-reducing measures can all help mitigate health risks associated with poor air quality and extreme temperatures. Engaging citizens in “citizen science” projects that track pollution levels or map heat islands ensures that resilience strategies are inclusive and responsive to local needs, especially those of vulnerable communities.