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.

Summary & Key Insights

Causes and Impacts of Climate Change:

• Human activities, particularly since modern industrialization, have accelerated greenhouse gas emissions. While natural causes also influence the climate, burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have increased such emissions in the atmosphere.

• The increased concentration of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, has led to an intensifying greenhouse effect, which has contributed to accelerated global warming. It is observed that these gases absorb almost 90% of the heat radiated by the earth’s surface in the form of infrared and then re-radiate it, thereby slowing the process of heat loss to space.

• While poor air quality, extreme heat, sea level rise, increased flooding risks, and more frequent extreme weather events are primary impacts, secondary impacts include land degradation, wildfires, biodiversity loss, rising health issues, migration, and loss of livelihoods.

The dual role of Cities as Contributors and Sufferers:

• Rural areas also contribute to the current rate of climate change, but several studies indicate that it is the urban areas that are the highest contributors. City systems have been identified as one of the key systems that are responsible for about 90% of global GHG emissions.

• A 2018 study covering around 13,000 cities globally observed that just 100 cities (out of which 19 were small and mid-sized) drive 18% of the emissions.

• Within the city system, several sectors emit GHGs; however, it is the energy sector that accounts for over three-quarters of the emissions.

• Simultaneously, cities are also among the worst sufferers, experiencing adverse impacts and disasters induced by climate change. As per a report in 2022, out of 998 cities worldwide, approximately 80% reported experiencing at least one climate related disaster.

Vulnerability of Indian Cities:

• According to a 2021 study, 99 of the 100 most vulnerable cities in the world were in Asia, with India having 43 on this list.

• India is also home to 13 of the world’s riskiest cities, which also include small and mid-sized cities like Agra.

• Even though India's overall emissions are lower than the global average, India's urban centres are responsible for nearly 44% of carbon emissions. This is due to a heavy reliance on meeting energy demands through coal, oil, and solid biomass.

• In 2023, Indian cities experienced extreme weather events on 318 days out of 365 days, which also resulted in 3,287 deaths. This highlights the urgent need for cities to prepare for disasters and strengthen their infrastructure to withstand growing climate extremes.

Click on the link below to read the report.