New study finds 35 percent of Kochi vulnerable to heat stress, 25 percent to flooding

A new report highlights Kochi’s vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal erosion. (Photo credit: Challiyan via Wikimedia Commons)

Kochi is grappling with the challenges posed by climate threats, as highlighted in a recent study by the World Resources Institute (WRI), India. It reveals that approximately 35 percent of the city’s residents are vulnerable to heat stress, while 25 percent face risks of flooding, underscoring the urgent need for integrating climate hazard vulnerability assessment (CHVA) into Kochi's developmental plans.

Titled 'Climate Resilient Cities: Assessing Differential Vulnerability to Climate Hazards in Urban India', the comprehensive report employs a robust framework developed by WRI to identify and analyse vulnerable communities and areas within cities. Covering six major urban centres in India, including Kochi, the study emphasises the necessity of addressing key climate threats such as sea level rise, heavy rainfall, water scarcity, and temperature escalation.

Kochi, with its coastal geography, dense population, limited adaptive capacity, and unplanned urbanisation, emerges as particularly susceptible to these hazards. The report highlights the city’s vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal erosion, posing risks to critical infrastructure such as the port, the airport, the railway, and the metro, and its natural habitats. Furthermore, 47 percent of Kochi’s land area lies within floodplains and 26 percent of its population lives there. The report also highlights the threat of urban inundation during heavy rainfall events.

The paradox of water scarcity in a region abundant in water resources is also addressed, attributed to poor water management practices and pollution. The report underscores the urgency for improved water governance, infrastructure, and conservation measures to address this issue effectively.

Additionally, rising temperatures in Kochi necessitate measures such as green cover expansion and passive cooling solutions to mitigate heat stress. Certain city wards - 2, 3, 5, 36, 44, and 61 - are identified as highly vulnerable, requiring targeted interventions to enhance their resilience.

To bolster Kochi's resilience against climate risks, the report advocates for enhanced data quality, baseline vulnerability assessments, and stakeholder engagement. Leveraging the city's natural and cultural assets, along with collaborative efforts with similar cities, is proposed to foster climate-resilient practices and ensure a sustainable future.