7 Conclusion

Climate change is intensifying the existing urbanisation and informality induced vulnerabilities of the urban poor. Unplanned urbanisation and lack of recognition by the State coupled with occupational hazards and location on ecologically fragile areas are already impacting the health and livelihood of the urban poor. Climate change will only exacerbate these impacts.

The analysis carried out in this report foregrounds the significance of settlement level common spaces, and spaces located in the city-settlement interface in urban informal settlements. Limited availability of private space makes these areas multi-functional and dynamic. However increased impacts of climate change – in the form of floods, and heat stress- are threatening these spaces. The solutions put forth in this report, though passive in nature, stem from the existing coping strategies used by the urban poor in facing climate change and urbanisation induced challenges. Since the communities recognise and relate to such solutions, it helps in ensuring better community ownership.

Finally, since many climate-change impacts within the informal settlements depend on city-wide infrastructure, settlement-city-region links are especially important There is an urgent need to link climate action at various scales to ensure on-ground impacts that are inclusive, sustainable, and just.