Climate and Energy in a Complex Transition Process towards Sustainability in Hyderabad

The Sustainable Hyderabad Project has over the course of its implementation generated knowledge towards improved understanding of the problems of climate change and energy efficiency in the complex transformation process that Hyderabad is undergoing. It has further identified potentials to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerabilities of various supply systems to climate change impacts. Analysis of institutions and governance structures, a core approach to analyzing the problems in multiple focus fields of the project, was carried out in various sectors, namely, transport, lifestyles, food provision, citizens’ participation, urban and peri-urban land use and provision of energy and water. This paper summarizes the core concepts of the project, reports its main scientific and practical results and draws lessons from obstacles encountered. The authors further analyze the key findings for policy interventions and conclude by recommending prospective actions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Hyderabad.