Advancing Towards Future-Proof City Planning: Key Industry Measures for Climate Resilience
Creating cities that are future-proof, demands an across-the-board strategy that incorporates social inclusiveness, technology innovation, and sustainability practices.
May 27, 2024. By News Bureau
Cities around the world face an urgent imperative: to fortify their defenses against the onslaught of climate change. The urgency of this endeavor cannot be overstated. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, city planners and policymakers face the urgent task of implementing measures that ensure the resilience of our cities. In tandem with India's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, there is a pressing need to balance ambitious economic growth and development objectives with environmental sustainability.
The World Bank (2019) estimates that 34.47% of Indians live in urban areas, a percentage that will increase at a rate of 1.47% over the course of the next ten years. It is impossible to overlook the effects of unregulated urbanisation on climate change, given that over 50% of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2031. With 650 million people living in parts of the nation where air pollution exceeds WHO recommendations, rising air pollution levels represent a serious threat to public health and well-being. In order to tackle this issue, it is imperative that urban planners, legislators, and business leaders work together to establish preemptive strategies that augment climate resilience.
Challenges Faced by Cities
An extensive network of air quality monitors has been established in India as a result of the country's efforts to tackle air pollution. Utilising technology, the nation is tracking pollution levels in real-time through a range of sophisticated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) systems to manual monitoring stations. India had 1266 ambient air quality monitoring stations as of September 15, 2022. This represents roughly 54% of the real goal that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had set, which was to operate 2312 monitoring stations encompassing roughly 502 cities throughout 26 states and five Union Territories (UTs). To effectively address these linked concerns, cooperation across sectors and stakeholder participation are necessary, as is effective governance and planning. In order to create prosperous urban environments for all citizens, cities must place a high priority on equity, sustainability, and resilience.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
State Pollution Control Boards are tasked with monitoring air quality, but their network often fails to capture data from entire cities, leaving gaps in policy and planning. The 74th Amendment Act lacks specificity on air quality matters, creating a policy void. Hyper-local climate-tech companies like Aurassure are bringing innovative solutions to address air pollution and advance climate resilience in cities. They address this gap with innovative technology, providing real-time monitoring data to cities. This data enables evidence-based policymaking, emission reduction objectives, and identifying pollution hotspots in the city.
Even while the technology for monitoring air quality has advanced significantly, problems still exist. Among the main obstacles that must be overcome are limited spatial coverage, problems with data accuracy, and the high implementation costs of CAAQM systems. But these difficulties also offer chances for creativity and teamwork. India can surmount these obstacles and establish a more resilient network for monitoring air quality by utilising cutting-edge technologies complementing regulatory-grade equipment with satellite and sensor-based monitoring.
Here’s a simple look at festive events analysis for Diwali, and how hyper-local environment monitoring networks assist the authorities in strategising pollution mitigation plans within and peripheries of their jurisdictions.
Global governments have taken the lead in promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability in response to this challenge. In order to address the problem of environmental degradation, the Atma Nirbhar Bharat programme is fostering indigenous innovations and economic models. The ATMAN Centre of Excellence (CoE) was established with the goal of creating solutions to enhance the quality of the air in both urban and rural areas. These projects enable people and communities to take significant action towards creating a cleaner and healthier future for future generations by means of focused education and outreach programmes.
The effort seeks to promote economic growth and societal well-being while simultaneously reducing the negative consequences of air pollution by utilising innovations in sustainable mobility, waste management, and renewable energy.
Renewable energy presents a lesser-known yet potent solution for sustainability, leveraging untapped natural resources to reshape our energy landscape. According to recent data, renewables accounted for over 26% of global electricity generation in 2020, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming years. By harnessing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, communities can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, thereby curbing climate change while fostering local resilience and energy autonomy. This transition not only safeguards ecosystems but also bolsters economic development, particularly in regions traditionally marginalized by conventional energy systems.
Industry Measures for Future-Proof City Planning
The foundation of future-proof city planning consists of important industry standards. Resilience can only be ensured by adopting sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient urban planning and the creation of green infrastructure. In order to co-create resilient urban ecosystems that are capable of withstanding future difficulties, industry stakeholders, political agencies, and city planners come together as a crucial component of this endeavour.
Using technologies in conjunction with sustainable practices is essential to improving cities' ability to adapt. These technologies facilitate quick decisions in the face of ambiguity in addition to improving resource allocation efficiency. Putting justice and inclusivity first in municipal planning guarantees that future-proof policies benefit every individual in the community. Cities may enhance the well-being of its residents by fostering more resilient and equitable urban environments that take into account a variety of viewpoints and address socio economic imbalances. In the end, creating cities that are future-proof demands an across-the-board strategy that incorporates social inclusiveness, technology innovation, and sustainability practices.
How Climate-Tech Companies Are Shaping Our Green Future?
One of the significant contributors to urban air pollution is the transportation sector. Authorities can now estimate how transportation impacts air quality and find ways to encourage sustainable transportation by using air pollution monitoring. A recent project in Bhubaneswar assisted the city in planning a Low Emission Zone - Ekamra Area which includes the world-famous Lingaraj Temple. This initiative aims to lower emissions, ease traffic congestion, and improve air quality in this LEZ area. Additionally, to mitigate potential air quality issues during the Hockey World Cup, real-time data aided the Rourkela city authority in implementing strategic decisions regarding industrial operations and traffic management.
Our green future is being shaped in large part by climate-tech enterprises, especially in the area of air quality management. These businesses are creating cutting-edge technologies to track, evaluate, and reduce air pollution, giving cities the resources they need to fight climate change and increase their capacity for resiliency. Climate-tech solutions, such as sophisticated sensor networks and data analytics platforms, are completely changing how cities control air quality. In response to the urgent requirement for a well-spatially distributed network, Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Telangana, and others are making progress in constructing integrated monitoring networks (CAAQM and Manual), according to data from the Pollution Control Board of India.
Conclusion
The need for action is evident as the effects of climate change worsen. Government programmes, such as those that invest in green infrastructure, encourage community involvement, and support technology innovation, are essential in advancing the goals of sustainability and resilience. We can construct cities that are equitable, livable, sustainable, and resistant to climate change by adopting these policies and encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Future-proof city planning requires a multifaceted approach that integrates sustainable practices, technological innovation, social inclusivity, ongoing evaluation, community engagement, and collaboration. By embracing these principles and working together towards common goals, cities can build resilient urban environments that thrive in the face of climate change and pave the way for a better future for everybody.
The World Bank (2019) estimates that 34.47% of Indians live in urban areas, a percentage that will increase at a rate of 1.47% over the course of the next ten years. It is impossible to overlook the effects of unregulated urbanisation on climate change, given that over 50% of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2031. With 650 million people living in parts of the nation where air pollution exceeds WHO recommendations, rising air pollution levels represent a serious threat to public health and well-being. In order to tackle this issue, it is imperative that urban planners, legislators, and business leaders work together to establish preemptive strategies that augment climate resilience.
Challenges Faced by Cities
An extensive network of air quality monitors has been established in India as a result of the country's efforts to tackle air pollution. Utilising technology, the nation is tracking pollution levels in real-time through a range of sophisticated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) systems to manual monitoring stations. India had 1266 ambient air quality monitoring stations as of September 15, 2022. This represents roughly 54% of the real goal that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had set, which was to operate 2312 monitoring stations encompassing roughly 502 cities throughout 26 states and five Union Territories (UTs). To effectively address these linked concerns, cooperation across sectors and stakeholder participation are necessary, as is effective governance and planning. In order to create prosperous urban environments for all citizens, cities must place a high priority on equity, sustainability, and resilience.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
State Pollution Control Boards are tasked with monitoring air quality, but their network often fails to capture data from entire cities, leaving gaps in policy and planning. The 74th Amendment Act lacks specificity on air quality matters, creating a policy void. Hyper-local climate-tech companies like Aurassure are bringing innovative solutions to address air pollution and advance climate resilience in cities. They address this gap with innovative technology, providing real-time monitoring data to cities. This data enables evidence-based policymaking, emission reduction objectives, and identifying pollution hotspots in the city.
Even while the technology for monitoring air quality has advanced significantly, problems still exist. Among the main obstacles that must be overcome are limited spatial coverage, problems with data accuracy, and the high implementation costs of CAAQM systems. But these difficulties also offer chances for creativity and teamwork. India can surmount these obstacles and establish a more resilient network for monitoring air quality by utilising cutting-edge technologies complementing regulatory-grade equipment with satellite and sensor-based monitoring.
Here’s a simple look at festive events analysis for Diwali, and how hyper-local environment monitoring networks assist the authorities in strategising pollution mitigation plans within and peripheries of their jurisdictions.
Global governments have taken the lead in promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability in response to this challenge. In order to address the problem of environmental degradation, the Atma Nirbhar Bharat programme is fostering indigenous innovations and economic models. The ATMAN Centre of Excellence (CoE) was established with the goal of creating solutions to enhance the quality of the air in both urban and rural areas. These projects enable people and communities to take significant action towards creating a cleaner and healthier future for future generations by means of focused education and outreach programmes.
The effort seeks to promote economic growth and societal well-being while simultaneously reducing the negative consequences of air pollution by utilising innovations in sustainable mobility, waste management, and renewable energy.
Renewable energy presents a lesser-known yet potent solution for sustainability, leveraging untapped natural resources to reshape our energy landscape. According to recent data, renewables accounted for over 26% of global electricity generation in 2020, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming years. By harnessing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, communities can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, thereby curbing climate change while fostering local resilience and energy autonomy. This transition not only safeguards ecosystems but also bolsters economic development, particularly in regions traditionally marginalized by conventional energy systems.
Industry Measures for Future-Proof City Planning
The foundation of future-proof city planning consists of important industry standards. Resilience can only be ensured by adopting sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient urban planning and the creation of green infrastructure. In order to co-create resilient urban ecosystems that are capable of withstanding future difficulties, industry stakeholders, political agencies, and city planners come together as a crucial component of this endeavour.
Using technologies in conjunction with sustainable practices is essential to improving cities' ability to adapt. These technologies facilitate quick decisions in the face of ambiguity in addition to improving resource allocation efficiency. Putting justice and inclusivity first in municipal planning guarantees that future-proof policies benefit every individual in the community. Cities may enhance the well-being of its residents by fostering more resilient and equitable urban environments that take into account a variety of viewpoints and address socio economic imbalances. In the end, creating cities that are future-proof demands an across-the-board strategy that incorporates social inclusiveness, technology innovation, and sustainability practices.
How Climate-Tech Companies Are Shaping Our Green Future?
One of the significant contributors to urban air pollution is the transportation sector. Authorities can now estimate how transportation impacts air quality and find ways to encourage sustainable transportation by using air pollution monitoring. A recent project in Bhubaneswar assisted the city in planning a Low Emission Zone - Ekamra Area which includes the world-famous Lingaraj Temple. This initiative aims to lower emissions, ease traffic congestion, and improve air quality in this LEZ area. Additionally, to mitigate potential air quality issues during the Hockey World Cup, real-time data aided the Rourkela city authority in implementing strategic decisions regarding industrial operations and traffic management.
Our green future is being shaped in large part by climate-tech enterprises, especially in the area of air quality management. These businesses are creating cutting-edge technologies to track, evaluate, and reduce air pollution, giving cities the resources they need to fight climate change and increase their capacity for resiliency. Climate-tech solutions, such as sophisticated sensor networks and data analytics platforms, are completely changing how cities control air quality. In response to the urgent requirement for a well-spatially distributed network, Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Telangana, and others are making progress in constructing integrated monitoring networks (CAAQM and Manual), according to data from the Pollution Control Board of India.
Conclusion
The need for action is evident as the effects of climate change worsen. Government programmes, such as those that invest in green infrastructure, encourage community involvement, and support technology innovation, are essential in advancing the goals of sustainability and resilience. We can construct cities that are equitable, livable, sustainable, and resistant to climate change by adopting these policies and encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Future-proof city planning requires a multifaceted approach that integrates sustainable practices, technological innovation, social inclusivity, ongoing evaluation, community engagement, and collaboration. By embracing these principles and working together towards common goals, cities can build resilient urban environments that thrive in the face of climate change and pave the way for a better future for everybody.
- Akanksha Priyadarshini, Founder, Aurassure
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