Mumbai is facing longer and more intense heatwaves each year. A senior United Nations official has urged the city to adopt nature-based cooling and climate-smart building methods to protect residents from extreme temperatures.
During Mumbai Climate Action Week, Martin Krause from the UN Environment Programme said cities must work with nature instead of relying only on technology. He warned that Mumbai is highly vulnerable due to heatwaves, flooding, and rising sea levels.
Nature-Based Cooling Can Lower Urban Heat
Krause highlighted simple solutions that can deliver fast results. Restoring wetlands and reconnecting rivers with parks can improve rainwater flow and reduce flood risks. These steps also help cool surrounding areas.
Increasing tree cover across streets and public spaces can significantly lower surface temperatures. Rooftop gardens and shaded walkways further reduce heat stress in dense neighborhoods. Studies show such measures can drop local temperatures by several degrees.
He also stressed smarter building design. Proper insulation, building orientation, and natural ventilation reduce indoor heat. When paired with efficient cooling systems, buildings consume less energy and stay comfortable.
Why Progress Remains Slow
Despite proven benefits, many green cooling projects remain small-scale. Krause pointed to limited awareness and a shortage of trained builders as key barriers. Access to affordable finance also remains a challenge.
He called for policy support to speed adoption. Incentives such as lower-interest loans for energy-efficient buildings could help. Climate standards should also be part of building rules from the start.
Heat-mapping tools can guide action. These tools help authorities track high-risk areas and measure progress over time.
Lessons From India and Abroad
Several cities in Maharashtra have joined heat awareness programs. These initiatives focus on early warnings and public safety during extreme heat events.
Global examples also offer guidance. District cooling systems in Paris show how shared infrastructure can cool entire neighborhoods efficiently. Krause said India could adapt similar models for its urban centres.
He concluded that cooling must be treated as a health necessity. With temperatures often reaching 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, faster action is critical.
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