Kochi’s Climate-Smart Solutions

Urbanisation has undoubtedly been a reason for congestion, pollution, and economic disparity. It’s not just emissions from cities that are the main cause of anxiety, but also the impact of urbanisation on the environment. appropriate planning policies are necessary for sustainable urban growth to minimise its negative impacts.

It is indeed concerning that in the present-day world, we have to pay for indispensable resources like clean drinking water. This is a result of the damage caused to our environment. When we give importance to developments such as the construction of factories, roads, and multi-level apartment complexes over the preservation of forests, we forget that air and water are crucial for our very own survival. If we progress at this rate, it won’t be long before our resources run dry and we reach a complete halt.

To address these challenges, urban planning and design must prioritise sustainability, resilience, and low-carbon development. This can involve measures like promoting public transportation, investing in green infrastructure, and encouraging energy-efficient buildings. By taking a holistic approach to urbanisation and climate change, we can create cities that are both liveable and environmentally sustainable.

Govt role in climate action

Steps towards raising public awareness of climate change have indeed increased in recent years, but it will take a lot more to address the issue on a global scale. This is where government policies and initiatives can play a major role. This can include implementing regulations on carbon emissions, investing in clean energy technology, and incentivising sustainable practices in sectors such as agriculture and transportation. A significant challenge that cities often face is financing. It is important to direct capital towards investments that can help reduce the impact of climate change and support resilient and adaptive measures. This can be achieved by creating viable projects and pooling resources, including project grants and finances, from local, national, or transnational sources, whether from public or alternative sources.

As the city confronts climate change alongside the global community, human systems will need to adapt. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence pointing towards climate change­—flash floods, heat waves, and changes in seasonal patterns. Realising the magnitude of the problem is the first step.
Encouraging progress in adaptation interventions can be achieved through various means, such as setting clear targets for adaptation, creating incentives for private sector investments in adaptation, and building partnerships between different stakeholders to share knowledge and resources. Governments can also provide financial support and technical assistance to communities and organisations that are implementing adaptation measures. The city government can secure adequate financial support for climate action through a strategic and collaborative approach that leverages existing resources with a range of stakeholders. Collaboration involving multiple parties can lead to the creation of innovative financing mechanisms as well as the exchange of knowledge and resources.

Kochi’s sustainability step

Kochi, a small city in the heart of Kerala, India, is not new to rapid urban growth. Home to nearly 6,33,553 (2011 Census data) inhabitants, it is the economic, tourist, and commercial centre of the state of Kerala. Despite the challenges posed by the city’s growing population, Kochi has an excellent health system with multi-specialty hospitals, convenient transportation facilities including metro trains and water metro, a well-connected road network, and an education system with a 100 per cent literacy rate. However, there is still a great demand for basic services to accommodate the increasing population. Kochi, in this regard, has been taking small steps towards achieving the aim of a ‘liveable city’.

We have been actively involved in prioritising projects for sustainable urban development, climate mitigation, and adaptation while addressing the challenge of rapid urbanisation. HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Livelihood) is a flagship project that I mooted to the Council in this regard. The project aims to create a healthy city and citizens through better waste management and organic farming in urban areas. This multi-level development project also generates livelihoods for people in the city, especially Kudumbashree women and various vulnerable groups. Another primary focus of the project is the protection of the environment and the beautification of the city. The Kawaaki Project is a nature-based solution adopted to transform neglected spaces into green covers, thus creating resilience against urban heat and flooding. Yet another innovative project was the Sustainable Neighbourhood Project, which included a nature-based system for sewage treatment, green infrastructure, and a roof-top solar photovoltaic cell. We are also trying to revamp the canals using nature-based solutions to restore and regain their prosperity.

The city government declared 2023 the green mobility year, launched 100 electric autos and several electric goods autos and is in the process of slowly but steadily converting all our vehicles into electric vehicles. We also implemented cycle tracks and footpaths to promote cycling and walking as alternative modes of transportation. “Cycle with Kochi” was one such environmental initiative that empowered the women in the city. The Kochi Municipal Corporation has already conducted a vehicle audit to determine the carbon footprints associated with the usage of present vehicles, and efforts are underway to transform the mode of transportation into a more sustainable form.

Sustainable Renaissance

To ensure a sustainable future, we must focus on ‘climate-smart’ urban planning, invest more in renewable energy and adaptation interventions, and encourage sustainable transportation. By doing so, we will be reducing our carbon footprints and creating liveable cities for future generations. To bring back the old environment that was lost in urbanisation, we need to implement smart urban planning and design that prioritises green spaces and natural habitats. In addition to infrastructure changes, we need to raise awareness and engage with communities about the importance of preserving natural environments. It is high time we take action to bring back the good old days when the land was green, the water was blue, and everything was crystal clear.

Kochi is making strides towards becoming a ‘liveable city’ with its outstanding health system, convenient transportation options, and 100% literacy rate.