BENGALURU:
On Monday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) launched the Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP) with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This plan aims to create a roadmap for a safer, healthier, and more equitable city. With this initiative, the city’s civic body intends to make Bengaluru one of the few cities in the world, and the third city in India, to have a globally recognized climate action plan.
As part of Bengaluru’s commitment to the C40 cities network, the city has been developing a data-driven, inclusive, and collaborative climate action plan. The focus is on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and building healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.
C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors from leading cities around the world who are united in their efforts to address the climate crisis. As part of the BCAP launch, BBMP has announced two priority initiatives. The first is the creation of a Climate Action Cell at BBMP, which will facilitate the efficient implementation of the BCAP. Dedicated staff and resources will be allocated to this cell, which will work with other stakeholder agencies.
The second initiative is the launch of the #BluGreenUru campaign, which calls on every citizen and stakeholder of Bengaluru to participate, contribute, and collaborate in conserving, restoring, and integrating the city’s natural infrastructure. This campaign aims to enhance Bengaluru’s resilience against climate change.
BBMP officials state that the BCAP, developed in collaboration with C40 Cities and research organization WRI India as a knowledge partner, has taken into consideration extensive consultations with various stakeholder groups. These include different government departments, practitioners, civil society members, and community-based organizations in Bengaluru.
“Balancing the production and removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is known as achieving net-zero. Bengaluru, as a member of the C40 network consisting of nearly 100 leading cities worldwide, is actively working to address the urgent climate crisis. This effort is particularly significant in light of the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP28), as Bengaluru strives to enhance its climate resilience, especially for vulnerable populations,” stated the civic body.
The Bengaluru Climate Action Plan (BCAP) also signifies the city’s first-ever inventory of GHG emissions. This comprehensive analysis examines the major sectors and sources responsible for emitting GHGs into the atmosphere, following the GPC reporting framework at the BASIC level. By establishing this inventory, Bengaluru can develop evidence-based strategies and policies for mitigating emissions, as well as track progress on implemented actions, according to the BBMP.
Under the BCAP, the pathways scenario provides a foundation for Bengaluru to establish its GHG emission reduction targets. Additionally, a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CCRAVA) was conducted to identify the city’s primary climate risks and determine key areas of focus for adaptation and resilience against climate hazards. The actions outlined in the BCAP align with seven major sectors: energy and buildings, transportation, solid waste management, water, wastewater and stormwater, air quality, urban planning, greening and biodiversity, and disaster management, added the civic body.
In addition to the BCAP summary report, the BBMP website will soon feature a complete BCAP report and a supporting Climate CCRAVA for Bengaluru. These reports will provide a more in-depth understanding of the assessments conducted, which led to the identification of specific actions.
