Net-Zero Climate Resilient City Action Plans 2070

For the first time in South and Southeast Asia, seven Net-Zero Climate Resilient City Action Plans (CRCAP) for 2070 were released in India. The cities included in this groundbreaking project are Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Udaipur, and Siliguri. These plans align with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, a commitment made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the CoP26 Summit in Glasgow in 2021.

Setting the Stage for Climate Resilience

The city of Ahmedabad was the first to release its Net-Zero CRCAP in July 2023, during the U20 Mayoral Summit, paving the way for other cities to follow. This effort reflects India’s determination to combat climate change while ensuring the resilience of urban communities. This initiative is a significant achievement for the CapaCITIES project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The CapaCITIES project has empowered these eight cities to design and execute low-carbon, climate-resilient strategies, contributing to both national and global climate objectives. The project has also helped cities prepare large-scale, bankable climate action projects.

National Workshop on Climate Resilient Cities

The National Workshop on Multi-Level Action for Climate Resilient Cities, held on 18 and 19 September 2024, marked the release of the action plans. The workshop was presided over by Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. Other important attendees included Shri Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary, MoHUA, Shri Philippe Sas, Head of International Cooperation at SDC, Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, and Mr. Emani Kumar, Executive Director of ICLEI South Asia.

The event attracted over 150 participants, including government officials from 30 cities in 16 Indian states, along with experts from international organizations like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Solutions and Innovations for Climate Challenges

During the workshop, participants discussed various climate solutions that are part of their journey towards resilience. These include:

An urban flood early warning system in Tirunelveli
Solar-powered charging stations for electric buses in Ahmedabad
Catchment area and watershed management in Tiruchirappalli
Creation of a green mobility zone in Udaipur
Implementation of Miyawaki forests in Vadodara, Udaipur, and Siliguri
A waste-to-bio-CNG facility and floating solar project in Coimbatore

Key Highlights from the Net-Zero Climate Action Plans

The action plans revealed that these cities will require more than USD 85,000 billion in climate finance by 2070 for various climate projects. These projects span multiple sectors, including transportation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water supply, and waste management.

If all proposed actions are implemented, cities could reduce their emissions by up to 91% compared to a business-as-usual scenario by 2070. However, achieving net-zero will depend on further policy changes and the development of new technologies.

In addition, the implementation of these climate actions is expected to create approximately 8 lakh green jobs, supporting India’s economy while fighting climate change.

Addressing Climate Change: A National Priority

Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. He said, “The very high temperatures, heavy rainfall in Gujarat, and extreme cold are all signs of climate change. The worst effects are felt by the elderly, children, and the poor. It’s important to tackle these problems, and I welcome the strategies offered by the Net-Zero Climate Resilient City Action Plans.”

Preparing for Extreme Climate Events

Shri Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary at MoHUA and Mission Director for Smart Cities, stressed the need for cities to prepare for extreme weather events. He explained that cities must focus on resilience, green livelihoods, and expanding interventions to cope with climate impacts.

International Cooperation for Climate Action

Mr. Philippe Sas, Head of International Cooperation at the SDC, highlighted the role of international collaboration. He noted that Switzerland’s sustainable planning approach is helping India with climate action by providing engineering innovation and strategies with long-term benefits.

Integration for a Stronger Climate Response

Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, pointed out the importance of strategic integration across urban areas for effective climate action. She called for comprehensive climate plans not just in big cities but also in smaller towns across India.

A New Benchmark for Urban Climate Action

Mr. Emani Kumar, Executive Director of ICLEI South Asia, praised India’s accomplishment in launching the seven Net-Zero Climate Resilient City Action Plans. He said, “India is the first country in South and Southeast Asia to launch these plans together. It shows how dedicated Indian cities are to including climate resilience in their urban planning through cooperation, innovation, and partnerships.”

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