A scientific assessment has revealed that Kochi is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions linked to climate change.
The assessment was made as part of a study carried out by Sushil Kumar Dash of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences of the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.
The findings were revealed during the AsianCitiesAdapt: Learning Exchange programme, a climate change conference that concluded in the city on Thursday.
The study observed that the annual mean temperature rose by 1 per cent in Kochi and nearby coastal zone between 1969 and 2005. The night temperature in Kochi was also on the rise. Warm temperature events may increase and cold temperature events may decrease in Kochi.
The mean rainfall also showed a declining trend between 1951 and 2010 in Kochi, the paper said.
Adaptation strategies
The two-day climate change conference called for changes in governance and planning processes to incorporate climate adaptation strategies.
The workshop, jointly organised by the Kochi Corporation and International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, aims to bring together science, policy and practice to help Howrah, Madurai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi among other cities for developing climate adaptation strategies.
Call for cooperation
The conference also called for better cooperation between local bodies and scientists to help urban planners to adapt to climate change.
In his valedictory remarks, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said the conference helped in creating awareness on impacts of climate change. Delegates from around 20 cities attended the conference.
Mohamed Zulfikar Ali, Mayor of Mongla municipal corporation, Bangladesh; Shamim Al Razi, Mayor of Singra Municipal Corporation, Bangladesh; Maizan Ali Manik, Mayor of Male City, Maldives; and Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany jointly inaugurated the conference.
Prof. Dymphna N. Javier of University of Philippines presented a paper on the key findings, lessons and challenges of the scientific study.
