About the Book:
Fostering climate resilience has become a critical priority for sustainable development as the impacts of climate change intensify globally. Resilience entails the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses. This is particularly urgent in rapidly urbanizing regions like India, where the pace of urban growth exacerbates these challenges.
This book explores the actions and outcomes of the BCAUSYOUCARE Project (Building Capacities for University Staff, Students, and Youth for Climate Resilience), a collaboration between the Faculty of Architecture and Planning (FoAP) at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, and VITO Belgium.
The project addresses urban heat stress in Ayodhya, using it as a case study to examine broader climate challenges in Indian cities. By employing innovative methods such as urban mapping, data collection, and capacity-building, the project provides tools to address urban heat stress, a growing threat to public health, economic productivity, and infrastructure sustainability.
A hallmark of the BCAUSYOUCARE Project is its participatory approach, which places the stakeholders at the centre of climate action. By engaging local communities, youth, urban planners, and authorities, the project fosters ownership and accountability among stakeholders. This inclusive framework ensures that solutions are equitable, sustainable, and adaptable to local needs.
Additionally, the project emphasizes the development of technical expertise, robust infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making frameworks, underscoring how science-based strategies can guide effective climate resilience efforts. The integration of local knowledge with international expertise exemplifies how global-local partnerships can create scalable and replicable solutions.
The project’s efforts focus on three key areas: urban mapping, capacity-building, and participatory frameworks. Urban mapping identifies vulnerabilities to heat stress, enabling targeted interventions to mitigate its impacts. Capacity-building initiatives empower stakeholders, from university staff and students to local authorities, with the skills and knowledge necessary for implementing climate resilience strategies. Participatory frameworks engage diverse stakeholders in decision-making, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and sustainable over the long term. Together, these strategies bridge global expertise and local priorities, showcasing the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges.
While Ayodhya serves as the starting point, the lessons and strategies developed through this project have broader implications for cities worldwide. The project demonstrates how urban areas can prepare for and respond to climate challenges through innovative, inclusive, and science-driven approaches. By addressing both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term sustainability, it offers a blueprint for resilience that can be adapted to diverse urban contexts.
This book is intended as a resource for policymakers, researchers, educators, and practitioners committed to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. It underscores the importance of bold and innovative actions, collective responsibility, and inclusive participation in the fight against climate change.
By sharing insights and methodologies, the BCAUSYOUCARE Project provides inspiration and practical guidance for building a future that is not only resilient but equitable and sustainable for generations to come. Building climate resilience is not just an aspiration—it is an imperative for safeguarding the well-being of our planet and its people.
About the Authors:
Dr. Vandana Sehgal, an architect, artist, and academic, is the Principal and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, AKTU, Lucknow. A graduate of CCA Chandigarh with postgraduate and doctoral degrees from IIT Roorkee and SPA New Delhi, she contributes to research projects with VITO Belgium, ICSSR, and CST. She consults on design and planning for state and central governments, curate’s exhibitions, and critiques artistic works.
A professor and Head of department at FoAP, AKTU, Dr. Ritu Gulati specializes in sustainability, energy efficiency, and heritage conservation. With a PhD from CEPT University, she leads the research and consultancy cell, delivering impactful projects and authoring high-indexed papers recognized nationally and internationally.
A Senior Assistant Professor at FoAP, AKTU, Dr. Farheen Bano focuses on climate-responsive architecture, energy-efficient design, and indoor environmental quality. Her research in building energy modelling has earned widespread acclaim, and she received the National Award for Teachers in 2023 for her contributions to sustainable architecture education.
Ar. Abirbhav Sanyal, an architect, landscape architect, and researcher, specializes in sustainable design with a decade of experience. A valedictorian from SPA Bhopal, he is an Associate Researcher at FoAP, AKTU, contributing to climate resilience projects and consulting as a landscape architect with an ecological focus.
Book Details:
Name: Strengthening Capacities for Climate Resilience
Authors: Dr. Vandana Sehgal, Dr. Ritu Gulati, Dr. Farheen Bano, Ar. Abirbhav Sanyal
ISBN: 978-81-947201-8-8
No. of Pages: 200 pages
Published in: 2024
Published by: Metro Books (Book currently not available on commercial platforms.)
