Mumbai University steps up with new Climate Skills course, as city battles extreme weather events

As climate change intensifies, Mumbai University is stepping up to equip its students and faculty with the tools to tackle India's unique environmental challenges. In collaboration with the British Council, the university has launched a pioneering Climate Skills Programme, part of the broader Climate Skill – Seeds for Transition initiative, spanning five countries.

Mumbai University is one of three Indian institutions selected for the programme, aiming to train 225 professors and 1,200 students as master trainers. They will then lead local climate actions like biodiversity surveys, wetland conservation, and energy audits with NGOs and local administrations.

This initiative comes at a crucial moment, as Mumbai grapples with the growing impacts of climate change. A recent WaterAid study identified the city as one of the worst hit by climate "whiplash", rapid swings between extreme wet and dry weather. These erratic shifts are straining urban infrastructure, triggering flash floods, and overwhelming sanitation systems, which in turn increases the spread of waterborne diseases.

Adding to the concern, an international study warns that Mumbai is among nine Indian cities expected to see a rise in heat-linked deaths due to more intense and prolonged heatwaves. With humidity levels also on the rise, the city's already vulnerable population faces mounting health risks.

These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies, making initiatives like Mumbai University's climate skills programme vital in building local resilience and preparing communities for future climate challenges.

Moreover, in June 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unveiled Mumbai’s first Climate Budget Report, or Green Budget Book, dedicating ₹10,224.24 crore (32.18% of the budget) to address climate challenges. Mumbai became the fourth city globally—after Oslo, London, and New York—to adopt a climate budget, outlining fiscal policies aimed at building a sustainable, climate-resilient future for 2024-25.

As climate experts intensify efforts to raise awareness, initiatives like green clubs in affiliated colleges reflect a growing community commitment to sustainability. By exploring the integration of climate-focused activities into academic credits, the university is fostering deeper student engagement, highlighting its dedication to long-term environmental stewardship.

With unpredictable climate patterns becoming the norm, such proactive measures demonstrate that while the challenges are significant, the battle against climate change is far from over, especially with collective action driving the way forward.