The session on ‘Translating National Cooling Policy to Action in States’ co-hosted by WRI India and NRDC India, delved into the challenge of heat and the need for access to #cooling, State/city initiatives on building resilience to extreme heat, providing access to cooling and implementing cooling solutions to reduce urban #heatisland effects.
The session included esteemed panelists, Deepak Tewari, Research Fellow, Energy Program, WRI India, Gerry George, Research Associate - Cooling and Energy Efficiency, NRDC India, Aarohi Makdani, Development, Associate, Mahila Housing Trust, Chandana Sasidharan, Program Research Fellow, Energy Program, WRI India. The context setting was done by Ashish Jindal, Lead, Cooling & Energy Efficiency, NRDC India.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that the rising heat and humidity, particularly in states like Kerala, disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Besides cooling measures, emphasis was placed on improving #ventilation, increasing green spaces, and reducing indoor heat. Popularising low-cost solutions is crucial for effective heat action.
The implementation of a #HeatActionPlan, focusing on local self-government as demonstrated in Jodhpur, was commended as a best practice. Capacity building, particularly targeting women and communities, was identified as vital for better dissemination and adherence to such plans.
Transitioning from programs to policy, exemplified by Telangana's Cool Roof policy, was deemed necessary to stimulate interest and extend beyond isolated initiatives to comprehensive urban cooling policies. Integrating digital solutions and cloud platforms can enhance the adoption of the Energy Conservation Building Code (#ECBC).
Collaboration, especially at the subnational level, was underscored as key to achieving integrated action across target areas. De-jargonisation and integrated problem-solving were suggested to overcome the silo-based approach at the civil society organization (CSO) level.
