HYDERABAD: Ruing the lack of understanding of climate change in cities, GHMC commissioner Somesh Kumar has called for a better adaptation of strategies related to flood management, water supply and waste disposal and energy efficiency,etc.
“There is lack of understanding of climate change in cities. Little attempt has been made to adhere to climate change. Implementation is not linked with climate change and there is a lack of policies, capacity and resources,” said Somesh Kumar at a session on ‘Adapting to Climate Change in Cities - Hyderabad Experience’, on the final day of the XI Metropolis World Congress here on Friday.
“Cities are a major contributor to climate change as they constitute 2 per cent of earth area, 78 per cent energy consumption and 60 per cent carbon dioxide. This makes them highly vulnerable to floods, extreme temperatures, cyclones and storms. The poor and slum-dwellers remain the most vulnerable,” Somesh Kumar observed.
On solid waste management, he said, “Hyderabad generates 4000 MT of waste. There is a need for segregation of sources and proper treatment. We are going to increase the green cover in the state by 33 per cent and strengthen our public transport system,” he added.
