Low Cost Urban Cooling Measures for Heat-Vulnerable Communities in India

India is experiencing rapid urbanization, and the rural-urban split is projected to be 50-50 by 2045, up from roughly 67-33 today. As India’s cities continue to grow, the urban heat island effect is worsening. Combined with the impact of climate change, cities could become as much as 4°C warmer and be increasingly vulnerable to deadly heatwaves. This makes it crucial to implement low-cost urban cooling measures to mitigate the effects of heatwaves on heat-vulnerable communities. Here are some examples of low-cost urban cooling measures that can be implemented in India:

1. Increase Street Tree Coverage in High-Priority Areas

Planting trees in high-priority areas can provide shade and reduce the temperature of the surrounding area. This is especially important in India, where many cities suffer from a lack of green space.

2. Add Shading Structures or Devices in Key Public Areas

Installing shading structures, such as pergolas or canopies, can provide relief from the sun and reduce the temperature of public areas like parks or playgrounds. Inexpensive devices like umbrellas or sun sails can also provide shade in smaller areas.

3. Apply Cool Roofs to All City-Owned Buildings

Cool roofs reflect sunlight and heat away from the building, reducing the temperature inside and lowering energy costs. Applying cool roofs to city-owned buildings is a low-cost way to reduce the urban heat island effect.

4. Implement Cool Roof Programs for Heat-Vulnerable Communities

Cool roof programs can provide free or low-cost cool roof installation to heat-vulnerable communities. This can help reduce energy costs for residents and improve the livability of their homes.

5. Use Heat-Reflective or Permeable Surfaces for Pavements

Heat-reflective or permeable pavements can reduce the temperature of the surrounding area by reflecting sunlight or allowing water to permeate the surface. This can help reduce the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.

6. Enforce Low-Climate-Impact Performance Standards for All New City Assets

Implementing low-climate-impact performance standards for all new city assets, such as buildings or infrastructure, can help reduce the city’s carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of the built environment.

7. Identify and Make Available Cooled Spaces That Are Accessible to Heat-Vulnerable Communities During Heatwaves

During heatwaves, it is crucial to provide cooled spaces that are accessible to heat-vulnerable communities, such as senior centers or public libraries. These spaces can provide relief from the heat and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

8. Establish a Heat Alert System to Notify the Public of Anticipated Periods of Heat

Establishing a heat alert system can help notify the public of anticipated periods of heat and provide guidance on how to stay safe during these periods. This can include providing information on available cooled spaces, hydration tips, and other resources to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

In conclusion, as India’s cities continue to grow, it is crucial to implement low-cost urban cooling measures to mitigate the effects of heatwaves on heat-vulnerable communities. By increasing street tree coverage, adding shading structures, applying cool roofs, using heat-reflective or permeable pavements, enforcing low-climate-impact performance standards, providing cooled spaces, and establishing a heat alert system, we can create more resilient and sustainable urban environments.