This Nagrikal Series examines the relationship between climate change and cities, especially small and mid-sized cities*. The series attempts to explore the dual roles of such cities- cities as contributors to and sufferers of climate change.

We discuss some of the important impacts of climate change, like poor air quality, rising sea levels, rising temperatures, and increasing heatwaves. It serves as an explainer of how climate change induces these impacts in our cities. Highlighting the limited share of knowledge about small cities, climate data availability, and monitoring, this series urges us to rethink the future of small cities in the face of climate change. By bringing forth the facts and figures that are less talked about, we hope to shift the discourse from our current understanding in an effort to build resilient small cities.

From defining the role of cities, especially the smaller cities, in climate change to exploring the share of such cities in research studies, climate data availability, and monitoring, the series aligns with our objective of creating knowledge for smaller cities to drive meaningful action. The series is divided into four parts. Part one explains the relationship between cities and climate change; Part two talks about the declining air quality in small cities; Part three focuses on the rise in temperatures and heatwaves; and Part four highlights the cities that are at risk of sea level rise. Parts two, three, and four use small cities as case studies to explain the consequences of the respective impacts. Some of the key insights and findings from each of the parts are shared in the next section.

We invite readers to engage with the findings of this report and join us in the collective effort to reimagine the future of small cities in the face of climate change. We believe that stakeholders at every level can make a significant change by utilising the insights provided in this publication. By understanding the city specific challenges, let us co-create innovative solutions to combat climate change impacts for a sustainable and resilient future.

We hope that this report will not just inform but also initiate a conversation about the challenges faced by small cities with regards to climate change in the policy discourse and climate action strategies, which is currently missing.

Report Summary & Key Insights

Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves:

• The report highlights a significant global and national increase in temperatures, with the average rate of temperature rise doubling since 1981. Cities worldwide, including India, have experienced extreme temperatures, with some reaching as high as 53.6°C.

• In India, small and mid-sized cities have recorded unprecedented high temperatures, with 2023 being the second hottest year in 122 years. The report also discusses the increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, highlighting the fact that the duration of heat waves has extended significantly over the years.

Impact on Small and Mid-Sized Cities:

• Small and mid-sized cities in India are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of rising temperatures due to their inadequate infrastructure and resources to effectively mitigate and manage extreme heat.

• These cities have seen a significant rise in their annual average maximum temperatures, with an observed increase of over 9°C in the past decade compared to their normal baseline temperatures.

• The report also highlights the fact that these cities are experiencing higher temperatures for longer durations and are approaching dangerous levels of heat and humidity.

Socio-Economic Impacts and Policy Responses:

• The socio-economic impacts of rising temperatures and heatwaves are profound, including increased mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, and significant economic losses due to reduced labour hours and income.

• The report also discusses further aggravation of drought conditions and water stress due to rising temperatures and inadequate rainfall.

• It also highlights some of the policy responses that some cities have developed. For example, some cities have devised Heat Action Plans to mitigate the effects of heatwaves, although the effectiveness and implementation of these plans vary.

• The report also highlights significant gaps in weather monitoring and data availability, particularly in small and mid-sized cities, which hamper effective local planning and response to heatwaves.

Click on the link below to read the report.