India stopped measuring cities’ climate readiness at 30-34%

India began evaluating the climate readiness of its cities in 2019, conducting three phases of assessment that showed national readiness stuck at a low 30 to 34 percent. Despite this promising start, the evaluation was halted after the third phase, leaving the country without current data on how prepared its urban centres are for climate risks such as flooding, heatwaves, and groundwater depletion.

The Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework, developed with 26 organisations, had 28 indicators across five areas: urban planning, green cover, energy, mobility, and water and waste management. The government had provided funds for climate action through schemes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT. The National Institute of Urban Affairs established the Climate Centre for Cities in June 2020 to mainstream climate action.

The commentary, written by the author, notes that cities contribute over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and are central to India's 2070 net-zero goal. Studies cited in the article estimate poor urban planning could cost Indian cities between $2.6 billion and $13 billion annually.