To become net zero by 2050, Ahmedabad requires Rs 4.4 lakh crore
AHMEDABAD: From 2021 to 2022, Ahmedabad residents released a staggering 15.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, resulting in a per capita burden of 2.1 tonnes of CO2. To become a net zero city and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Ahmedabad will need to invest Rs 4.4 lakh crore in infrastructure and systems over the next 47 years.
These findings were summarised in a comprehensive report titled “Climate Resilient City Action Plan” (CRCAP), which was prepared for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) with assistance from the CapaCITIES II project.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is funding the project, which is being carried out by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) in South Asia. Ahmedabad is one of India’s forerunner cities in developing such a comprehensive plan.
Ahmedabad currently consumes a significant amount of energy, equivalent to 98.5 million gigajoules (GJ) per year, primarily from coal burned in thermal power plants and the use of fuels such as diesel and petrol. To put this in context, this amount of energy is equivalent to burning 9.8 trillion 10-watt LED light bulbs for an hour.
A net zero city is one that balances its greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing carbon-reduction practices. Key strategies for achieving this goal include electrification of buildings and transportation, increased energy efficiency, and overall energy consumption reduction.
Energy supply and demand, transportation, solid waste management, water supply and sanitation, urban greening and biodiversity, and disaster risk reduction are all covered by the CRCAP.
The plan establishes targets, indicators, actions, timelines, responsibilities, costs, and benefits for each sector in order to achieve net zero resilience by 2070. In the energy sector, for example, Ahmedabad aims to reduce total energy consumption by 30% while increasing the share of renewable energy to 50% by 2030.
To that end, the city intends to implement energy-saving measures in buildings, industries, and street lighting, as well as encourage rooftop solar installations and investigate waste-to-energy projects. Ahmedabad aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and increase the share of public transportation to 60% by 2030 in the transportation sector. According to the CRCAP report, this will entail expanding the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), introducing electric buses and vehicles, and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
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Content Credit: Times of India