Synergising Spatial Development Strategies with Climate Action

Cities are key centres of economy and are rapidly expanding. With an increase in urbanisation, cities are one among the largest contributors of carbon emissions. We hear of changing weather conditions, floods, droughts, heat islands, health risks, more regularly with each new year, deteriorating the quality of urban life. To ensure livability, climate change mitigation strategies have to address the three principles of sustainable development – Environment, Economy and Equity. As cities work as interconnected and complex urban systems, change in one sector impacts other sectors, compounding the problem of climate change. Subsequently, this research paper examines case studies having spatial strategies - regional, urban, neighbourhood, street and block scale - to contemplate the way forward in formulating climate action plans in the Indian context, that envision cities as interwovan urban systems.