Youth advocacy to action is important to achieve climate inclusive and nature positive development of cities in South Asia. The event, organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Vasudha Foundation, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), and Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), shared best practices and avenues to influence policy allowing integration of urbanization in NDCs.

The diverse panel of speakers included Mr. Debasish Kumar, MLA in the Government of West Bengal, Zainab Naeem, SDPI, Pakistan. Ms. Magdalena Mirwald, UNU-EHS, Bonn, Dr Mohammad Shahjahan, Director, YPSA, Bangladesh. Ms. Almuth Schauber, Urban Lead, Misereor, and Ms. Rini Dutt, Vasudha Foundation, and the event was moderated by Mr Nakul Sharma, CANSA.

Introduction:

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2018) reports a sharp increase in urban population estimating the urban population to double in 30 years from 2020 to 2050. 50% of all urbanization globally is taking place in just eight countries of which three countries namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal collectively referred as South Asian region.

The intensified impacts of climate change are being felt in the form of changing weather patterns, extreme rainfall, cyclones, droughts, and changes in season cycles leading to low agricultural yield and loss of livelihoods and food security for many dependent on agro-based economy. This is becoming a cause for forced migration to cities for alternative livelihood options and contributing towards unplanned urbanization. The South Asian cities in their present state are neither read nor taking any concrete steps to manage this unplanned inflow of people.

In the present times, cities are experiencing unique challenges due to rapid urbanization, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and climate change impacts. The overcrowding and unplanned inflow of people presses high demand on city resources for housing, water, sanitation, and transportation. Cities are responsible for approximately 67 per cent of global primary energy consumption and contributes towards 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This significant contribution makes cities a key player in addressing urban climate resilience that’s essential in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to limiting global warming to 1.5C.

As most of Asia’s future infrastructure is yet to be developed, there is a window of opportunity to build sustainable, resilient urban systems that are pro-poor, energy efficient, gender just and equitable. The new infrastructure planning for energy-efficient buildings, low carbon emitting mobility systems, and shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewables will all require technological support as well as matching finances to make the plans implementable in the developing nations. This highlights a need for concentrated efforts and investment both technological and financial in both mitigation and adaptation measures for city planning that is people-centric, low carbon emitting, energy efficient and climate resilient.

Side Event:

Rapid urbanization brings both challenges and opportunities in the context of South Asia that need urgent attention in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to limiting global warming to 1.5C. Adequate means of implementation will be a major driver in making the plans successful. Our experts today will share their experiences and possible solutions evidence on inclusion of Urban Poor centric Loss and Damage, Mitigation and Adaptation needs assessment methodologies.

Flow Of Event:

Speakers:

Mr. Debashish Kumar, MMIC KMC and MLA, Govt of West Bengal
Magdalena Mirwald, UNU – EHS, Bonn
Rini Dutt, Vasudha Foundation
Zainab Naeem, SDPI
Mohammad Shahjahan, YPSA
Almuth Schauber, Misereo