Context: In conjunction with the World Environment Day that was observed on June 5, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and World Resources Institute (WRI) India, jointly announced ‘Leaders in Climate Change Management (LCCM), a practice-based learning program.

Leaders in Climate Change Management (LCCM)

• It is a capacity-building program that seeks to build a pool of leaders to champion and lead climate action - across sectors and geographies.
• Implemented by: National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), World Resources Institute (WRI), UNEP and Indian School of Business (ISB).
• Aim: Building capacity among urban professionals to lead climate action across sectors and geographies in India.
• Target: The program aims to train 5,000 professionals including mid to junior-level government officials and frontline workers. The program will prepare them to champion climate change adaptation and mitigation solutions towards a coordinated effort to achieve India’s climate commitments.

The program has four phases:

• First phase is an online learning module that can be completed over eight weeks.
• Second phase includes face-to-face sessions spanning four to six days.
• Third phase mandates participants to complete a project over six to eight months and attending exposure visits.
• Final phase includes networking and establishing a community of practice.

Climate Data Observatory 2.0

• It was launched by the government to contribute towards the urban environment sector.
• It is a platform that serves as a repository for city climate-specific spatial and non-spatial data that could be used as a decision support system.
• It would allow decision-makers to visualize trends and analyse data to develop the most efficient strategies.
• Through decision support techniques, it would help policymakers solve complex urban problems.
• Aim: To develop an integrated data platform for various thematic areas of Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework and provide the status of climate actions in Indian cities.

National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)

• It was established in 1976.
• It is India’s leading national think tank on urban planning and development.
• It seeks to provide innovative solutions to address the challenges of a fast-urbanizing India, and pave way for more sustainable cities of the future.
• It conducts research on urbanization, urban policy and planning, municipal finance and governance, urban livelihoods, environment & smart cities.
• Aim: Promoting integrated solutions for urban India.

By: Shubham Tiwari