In May 2024, earth witnessed its hottest May on record, echoing the alarming trends of 2023. Global temperatures soared past the critical 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level (1850s–1900s) – a threshold never experienced by modern civilizations. India, too, has felt the brunt of these changes, with heatwaves growing more frequent and severe. Since 1901, the country’s temperatures have risen by approximately 0.7°C*, with heatwaves claiming over 22,000 lives between 1992 and 2015. This alarming trend not only endangers lives but also disrupts economic stability, with India losing over 101 billion labor hours annually to extreme heat, costing the economy around $150–250 billion (Journal Nature).
As India undergoes rapid urbanization, the accompanying rise in economic prosperity is expected to significantly increase energy demand. However, with much of this demand reliant on energy imports, the nation faces a pressing challenge in achieving economic self-reliance. Addressing this requires a shift toward energy-efficient cooling solutions and the promotion of energy conservation. By fostering a market for energy-efficient technologies, India can secure its energy future, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and stability.
Palava City stands at the forefront of sustainable urban planning, committed to minimizing environmental impact throughout its development lifecycle. Through the Lodha Net Zero Urban Accelerator, in partnership with RMI, Palava City has pioneered several initiatives to combat urban heat. One of our key initiatives involved conducting comprehensive heat mapping in Palava City, located near Mumbai. The findings were revealing: shaded footpaths were more than 10° Celsius cooler than their unshaded counterparts and shaded lawns exhibited temperature differences of up to 14°C compared to unshaded footpaths. These observations underscore the importance of thoughtful urban design and landscape planning in mitigating heat and enhancing the livability of urban spaces.
Palava’s innovative approach includes leveraging nature-based solutions to combat heat. Despite ambient temperatures ranging between 35-37°C, surface temperatures on unshaded areas can soar to 48.5°C. Yet, vegetation and shaded areas consistently reduce surface temperatures by 7-11°C. Moreover, Palava’s maximum surface temperature is consistently cooler than neighboring regions, such as Kalyan-Dombivli and Mumbai, by 3°C and 2°C, respectively.
Key elements contributing to Palava’s cooler and healthier environment include:
- Reflective Surfaces: Light-colored pavements and reflective materials significantly reduce heat absorption, as demonstrated by a comparison of asphalt and mosaic tiles—66.4°C versus 42.2°C, respectively.
- Vegetation and Green Infrastructure: Abundant greenery, green roofs, and water bodies help moderate temperatures and improve air quality.
- Strategic Urban Planning: Building orientations that maximize shading for streets and public spaces.
With Lodha’s focus on sustainability, the Lodha Net Zero Urban Accelerator is advancing a two-pronged strategy focusing on research and implementation. Research efforts aim to deepen understanding of urban heat islands, refine heat mapping techniques, and enhance monitoring through digital tools. Implementation strategies prioritize community-level heat resilience, leveraging policy incentives for climate-resilient investments, and advocating for worker protection against extreme heat.
As climate change accelerates, addressing the challenge of urban heat requires innovative and sustainable approaches. Palava City exemplifies how thoughtful urban planning, nature-based solutions, and strategic implementation can create resilient urban environments – a fine example of a sustainable city. Through initiatives like the Net Zero Urban Accelerator, Lodha is setting a precedent for sustainable urban development, fostering a future where cities are not only livable but also resilient to the growing threats of climate change.
*Data spans from 1901 to 2018.