The Corporation released a report showing how climate change would affect the city.
What’s it about? The Chennai Corporation and C40 Cities and Urban Management Centre released a report on the effects of climate change on Chennai. It revealed a sixth of the city will be submerged by 2100 as sea levels rise. In the next five years, 100 metres of coastal areas will be submerged. It’s projected to affect at least a million people.
- The rise in water levels will affect infrastructures like the North Chennai Thermal Power Plant, 18 Metro stations, and 28 MTC bus stops. There will also be a reduction in rainfall and a drinking water shortage.
- Greenhouse gas emissions are the main culprit. 31% of emissions come from residential areas. Commercial and industrial units account for 26% and transportation for 14%.
What can be done? The report suggests developing rain gardens, biodiversity parks, and urban forests. It also recommends shifting 15% of the current bus fleet to electric by 2030 and 100% by 2050. It also suggests State and Corporation councils to study and implement mitigation measures.