Sustainability - Question of Cities

COP is broken. Can India call it out, reimagine climate action?

The recently-concluded Conference of Parties, COP29, showed the process is compromised, hijacked by fossil fuels lobbies and developed countries, and unable to come good on climate actions urgently needed by millions in the developing nations, including India. Termed as the…

After COP29: Lessons and actions for urban poor and climate justice

While the role of urban areas in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts has been acknowledged, including at the annual climate summits, questions…

The way forward for urban local bodies to finance climate action

Cities in India are at a preliminary stage of climate actions. A 126-cities survey showed that urban local bodies are spending two-three…

‘Developing countries are struggling to get climate-related finance’

As the global powers work out the finance needed to address devastating climate change impacts in the developing world, for which the…

Lesser-known world summits for the planet and people

Away from the international glare of the annual climate summit, other equally important global conferences were held through October-November – the UN…

‘Goa has successful ecological movements but we should not have to keep doing this’

From a languid destination for vacations, Goa has turned into a hotspot for tourism projects, real estate development, and large investments. Village…

The making and unmaking of Goa’s unique alternative urbanity

Back in 1986, Goa had put in place land zoning plans which ensured that its agricultural lands, ecological systems, and historical sites…

Go, Goa, Gone: Ecology and ethos being erased by commerce

The state was once a poster for all things exquisite with breath-takingly beautiful landscapes and seafronts, villages nestled in the greens, laid-back way of life. Goa turned to commerce, tourism, real estate development almost with a vengeance in the 2000s.…

Panaji at the crossroads of economic boom and ecological decline

The spectacular expansion of Panaji has meant an assault on its natural flood drainage network, creeks, estuaries, lush hillocks, mangroves, and marshlands.…

Big bold ideas that can change public or affordable housing in our cities

India’s urban housing crisis is well-known. Millions live in slums and jhuggis. The housing paradox in Mumbai and Delhi, now increasingly seen…