In a pioneering move towards sustainable urban development, Chennai has unveiled its commitment to infuse climate action seamlessly into its urban planning framework.
Leveraging the expertise of the Jameel C40 Urban Planning Climate Lab, a collaborative initiative supported by C40 Cities and Community Jameel, the city aims to revamp its master plan and land use policies to integrate climate-centric objectives effectively. The initiative comes on the heels of Chennai’s recent launch of its inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP), aligning with the Paris Agreement objectives. This strategic roadmap charts a course for the city to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with interim targets set at 1% by 2030 and 40% by 2040, compared to 2018-19 levels. Under the aegis of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the Jameel C40 partnership seeks to bolster the ongoing development of the Third Master Plan (2026-2046). This forward-looking plan prioritises climate resilience and adaptive strategies for the burgeoning Chennai Metropolitan Area.
Central to this collaboration is the recognition of urban planning as a linchpin for emissions reduction, climate resilience, and broader socio-economic advancement. The initial phase will entail a comprehensive update of the greenhouse gas inventory, coupled with vulnerability mapping and baseline assessments to inform priority policy actions for the forthcoming master plan. With a steadfast commitment to aligning with national and state-level climate ambitions and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Chennai is poised to emerge as a beacon of climate-conscious urban governance, setting a precedent for sustainable development across India.
