Building climate resilient cities in the global South: assessing city adaptation plans in India

Planning discourse deeply influences urban responses to climate change, particularly within the context of the global south. This article examines urban climate action plans developed by 13 Indian cities to understand the different scenarios that shape policies and visions of urban governance, using discourse analysis. We find that the urban climate action agenda in India needs greater definitional clarity. Most plans require better contextual engagement with specific vulnerabilities in each city. City plans need to be better networked with state and national planning mechanisms, recognizing that climate change requires multi-level governance responses. Finally, most plans consider Nature-Based Solutions only in the form of tree planting and waterbody management, lacking sufficient consideration of urban ecosystem function and process, and ecosystem-based restoration. These aspects require incorporation to help Indian cities become more effective at addressing urban climate challenges