Transforming Indian Cities: Mitigating Urban Emissions with Data-Driven Strategies

Indian cities can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through enhanced data collection and scenario modeling. Using the CURB tool, up to 77% of urban emissions could be addressed by 2050. However, challenges such as limited institutional capacity need resolution to create sustainable, resilient urban environments.

Indian cities have the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilient urban environments through enhanced data collection and scenario modeling, experts suggest.

A team from Delhi's World Resources Institute (WRI) found that utilizing the Climate Action for Urban Sustainability (CURB) tool could address up to 77% of urban emissions by 2050. The challenge, however, lies in overcoming the limited capacity of institutions for data-driven exercises, as highlighted by the study's authors.

Strengthening data collection, scenario modeling, and capacity-building frameworks can empower cities to set more ambitious and achievable climate targets, positioning them as key drivers in India's overall greenhouse gas reduction efforts. To this end, involving multiple stakeholders is crucial to foster comprehensive and effective urban emission mitigation plans.

(With inputs from agencies.)