Climate Change Community

Assessing Climate Change in Cities of Uttar Pradesh

About 50% of the global population lives in cities and is projected to be 60% by 2030. There is a lack of data and detailed scientific studies on vulnerability to climate change of cities in Uttar Pradesh (UP). UP with a Low Human Development Index, comparable with Least Developed Countries like Bangladesh, Ghana, and Kenya etc. needs greater support to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.
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Case Studies
A study by the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET), USA projected increased precipitation during the monsoon season exacerbating water logging and increased mean temperatures in Gorakhpur, UP leading to worsening of the impact of water borne diseases. Increase in the incidence of Malaria, Filaria, Kala-azar and other vector borne diseases is expected. The Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) with Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) identified degradation of water bodies, increased severity and duration of water logging, groundwater contamination, inadequate solid waste disposal and health impacts as issues that need immediate attention in UP.
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Case Studies
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability recommends energy efficient street lighting, building energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in cities of UP. The GIZ Advisory Services in Environment Management (ASEM) programme supports municipal solid waste management, city sanitation etc. in Varanasi, UP, that could be replicated. Under JNNURM projects to improve sewerage systems, sanitation, water supply, solid waste management and public transport systems in cities including Lucknow, Meerut, Allahabad, Agra, Varanasi, Mathura and Kanpur in UP are being implemented.
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Suggested Adaptation Measures Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) programs could integrate elements of adaptation to facilitate enhanced adaptive capacity particularly for the urban poor. JNNURM needs to be extended to other cities of UP iin the next phase.
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Methodologies and Approaches for the Study

A comparative assessment based on socioeconomic issues like poverty, gender disparity etc. would provide a more comprehensive basis for vulnerability analysis. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) enabled vulnerability analysis needs to be utilized to provide information on the spatial distribution of risks and vulnerability. Household surveys in different pockets within a city could also be utilized along with expert consultations involving NGOs, research organizations, state government departments etc.
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Methodologies and Approaches for the Study

Stratified random sampling could be utilized to conduct surveys amongst the urban inhabitants. Analysis of rainfall data of last 50-60 years could provide an estimate of change in intensity and frequency. Analysis of occurrence of jaundice, malaria and other vector borne diseases could help assess possible health impacts. Study of change in transportation pattern, consumption of fuel and electricity could be utilized to evolve programs addressing both mitigation and adaptation.
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Conclusions
There is a knowledge gap that needs to be filled by conducting detailed climate change impact studies in cities of UP. Collaboration with existing governments programs is crucial for success of adaptation measures. Implementing the mitigation and adaptation measures suggested could ensure an improved adaptive capacity and climate resilient growth in the cities of UP.
Solution Exchange an initiative of the UN Country Team in India