New Delhi in 2030: Envisioning 1.5-Degree Lifestyles

Published on February 18, 2022

'New Delhi in 2030: Envisioning 1.5-Degree Lifestyles' shares findings of the ‘Envisioning Future Low-Carbon Lifestyles and Transitioning Instruments’ demonstration project, 2019-2021. This project was implemented under the United Nations’ One Planet network and funded by the Government of Japan through its contribution to the 10YFP Trust Fund, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This project is led by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan, in collaboration with Akatu Institute, Brazil; Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; ICLEI Africa, South Africa; Swechha, India; Hot or Cool Institute, Germany; ICLEI, Japan; Science Communications and Research Institute (SCRI), Japan; D-mat, Finland; National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan.

As India’s capital city, the pressures on New Delhi’s ecosystem are without parallel among Indian cities, with urbanisation taking place at a rapid pace, and exerting tremendous pressure on the city’s physical infrastructure and resources. Delhi is also one of the most polluted cities in the world, a fact highlighted by national and international media as the city fills with smog every winter. New Delhi’s unique position as India’s socio-economic capital, thronged with citizens from all walks of life, yet one of the most unhealthy cities to live in, makes exploring sustainable living both a challenge and an opportunity. This scenario offers a work plan and vision for the city in 2030 to ascertain what is required for 1.5-degree lifestyles (1.5°C Lifestyles), defined as sustainable lifestyles compatible with by 2030. Sustainable lifestyles are a key part of SDG 12: sustainable consumption and production, more specifically in the target 12.8 that says “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature”. Also this project is part of the 10YFP Trust Fund which is also part of SDG 12, in its target 12.1 “Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries”.