'For the first time, cities were at the centre of climate discussion'

From record-breaking heat to intense rain, from cyclones and floods to long dry spells, 2023 had its share of worst weather extremes. Their impact was magnified in cities due to population density, income inequalities, insufficient public services, and civic mismanagement. While the urgency for accelerated climate action in urban spaces is now understood, its roadmap, the issues of monetary and technical support, and the challenge to ensure an equitable and humane approach to implementing solutions demand more clarity and unanimity.

- Shivani Singh

At the Conference of the Parties (COP) - the United Nations' high-profile annual assembly, held in Dubai early this month, world leaders negotiated the terms of climate action and finance. To understand how the outcomes of COP-28 will play out for cities, especially those in India, HT spoke with Shruti Narayan, regional director, South and West Asia, at C40 Cities, a network of 100 international cities that assists six Indian metros in framing their climate action plans. Edited excerpts:

What were the biggest takeaways for cities from the Conference of the Parties (COP)-28 in Dubai?

This COP was, in many ways, a landmark one. The focus on fossil fuel transition; the approval of loss and damage fund (for developing countries affected by climate change) although the (pledged amount of) $700 million compared to the billions that are required is a drop in the ocean; the first-ever global stock take and a full-scope review of climate issues; acknowledging that the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) which are due for revision in 2025 -- need to have a global adaptation plan; discussing the impact of climate crisis on health... These were all significant.

Also, for the first time, cities found the centre stage amid all these discussions, which otherwise tend to happen at the national level. The first-ever local climate action summit focussed on cities was organised. Over 100 cities came together. The coalition of high-ambition multi-level partnerships (CHAMPS) was launched. This indicates that no action can be delivered on the ground without consultation with local and subnational governments.