This City Plans to Reach Net-Zero Emissions Two Decades Early!

Mumbai, India’s largest megapolis, has a detailed plan to reach its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, some 20 years ahead of the national goal, setting an example for other large cities in South Asia and around the world to take concrete action to fight global warming.

“To pursue development that secures climate justice in the near future is non-negotiable,” says Associate Professor Nikhil Anand. “The Climate Action Plan needs to take care of stabilizing those systems if it wants to make a meaningful difference in the life of its citizens.”

Housing, the electrification of public transport, and the addition of walkable roads will all benefit from investments. Changes will be made to flood-resistant drainage and in-water conservation. Open places will be added, and investments will be made towards clean water and sanitation, as well as rooftop solar capacities. Mumbai benefits from a US$6 billion annual budget to materialize its plan for its 19 million citizens. The city will receive funding from the state of Maharashtra and plans on raising funds for climate mitigation projects through global lenders and the federal government. One of Mumbai’s short-term priorities is the purchase of 2,100 electric buses by 2023. Other South Asian megapolises are preparing their own respective action plans, including New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Dhaka, and Karachi.