How Chennai would be overcoming extreme heat?
Posted on: 06/Apr/2022 9:44:56 AM
In the month of May `Kathiri Veyil’ or extreme heat would begin and the residents of Chennai would be finding it very difficult.
Now, GCC is trying its best to help the Chennai residents to overcome this unbearable heat. It is said that GCC would be introducing an urban cooling programme to implement initiatives that would reduce the overall temperature of the Chennai city and extreme heat would be combated well.
Information is that GCC along with Asian Development Bank and Global Environmental facility would join hands to implement this programme that is a part of UN Environment Programme. As per an officer belonging to GCC this programme is in initial stages only. On Tuesday, 5th April 2022, GCC officials met the UN Environment Programme. Heat resilient urban design and infrastructure, energy efficient and thermally efficient buildings would be encouraged by GCC under the programme.
Implemented across many departments, this programme would concentrate on creation of green spaces, carbon footprint reduction, reduction in the need of air-conditioners etc. Handbook on urban cooling methods during planning stages has been released by United Nations programme and cities across the globe could incorporate this. Action plan would be prepared by the GCC initially in the first phase and it would involve representations from non-governmental stakeholders. Point is that strategic goals and actionable targets would be achieved. It is noteworthy that the initiative would also involve reduction in the consumption of power and a/c requirements in buildings etc.
Most vulnerable communities would be given emphasis and by this there would be equitable access to cooling cities. The handbook also brought to light that the higher temperatures in urban areas than the rural areas could lead to extreme climate conditions by creating heat islands. Recently, GCC has commenced construction of green buildings inside Ripon Building premises through natural lighting, low water consumption and by reducing the usage of air-conditioners etc.
