Kochi: The two-day learning exchange conference jointly organised by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and Kochi Corporation on the impact of climate change, highlighted the current challenges faced by the cities, due to changing climate.
The conference was organised as a prelude to the closing of a two year study called ‘AsianCitiesAdapt – Impact of Climate Change in Target Cities in India and Philippines and Local Adaptation Strategies’, conducted in four Indian cities including Kochi and four cities in Philippines. Howrah, Madurai, Visakhapatnam were the other Indian cities selected for the project.
“Close coordination between climate and social scientist and urban planners is vital, so that urban and economic development takes into account climate changes in future,” said Deputy Mayor of Shimla Tikendar Panwar.
Experts stressed the need to have a greater sense of ownership among local governments to incorporate climate adaptation perspectives and also the need for changes in governance and planning at all levels.
According to Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany, the meet helped policy-makers and bureaucrats become aware of environmental threats. He also called for better cooperation between science and governance.
As part of the project, ICLEI prepared draft guidelines for communication strategies for climate change adaptation for each of the cities, including Kochi. These documents were circulated to the participants for their feedback.
