UNEP and Government of Maharashtra Partner to Tackle Urban Heat and Accelerate Sustainable Cooling Solutions
In a significant step toward climate resilience, the Government of Maharashtra and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the growing threat of extreme heat and integrate sustainable cooling solutions into urban planning and development across the state.
As Maharashtra experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves, the partnership aims to support data-driven, inclusive, and ecosystem approaches to urban heat. Under the MoU, UNEP will provide technical expertise, scientific insights, and global best practices to help the state strengthen adaptive capacity across both city and district levels.
Supporting Urban Heat Management
Key areas of collaboration where UNEP Cool Coalition will support the Government of Maharashtra include:
Urban Heat Studies: Conducting assessments of urban heat island (UHI) effects across key cities in Maharashtra to identify vulnerable hotspots and guide mitigation strategies.
Heat Action Planning: Developing and strengthening localized Heat Action Plans that are integrated into city master plans and new area developments.
Cooling in Urban Design: Providing technical assistance to government organizations to adopt ecosystem approaches and passive cooling measures in various projects, including affordable housing.
Policy and Planning Support: Assisting state and city governments in embedding sustainable cooling strategies within broader urban development policies and infrastructure projects.
Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating scientific knowledge from UNEP-supported projects on urban energy, and cooling among others.
Green Buildings: Promoting green buildings and the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code
This collaboration builds on the Government of Maharashtra’s flagship climate initiative, Majhi Vasundhara (My Earth), which promotes environmental sustainability through energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and active citizen engagement.
“Extreme heat is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most urgent climate risks, and Maharashtra is already experiencing its severe impacts,” said Balakrishna Pisupati, UNEP India Country Head. “In partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UNEP will work closely with the Government of Maharashtra to integrate sustainable urban cooling solutions into planning, policy and design. UNEP brings global leadership and expertise in heat resilience and cooling, translating science into actionable policies that help countries design heat-resilient cities with passive cooling strategies and climate-sensitive urban design. This partnership will support Maharashtra in taking comprehensive action through green infrastructure, policy innovation and financing mechanisms, implemented in coordination with relevant state departments, municipal bodies and national institutions.”
“Maharashtra is already witnessing the growing impact of extreme heat, and the need for sustainable, long-term cooling solutions has never been more urgent,” said Ms. Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department. “This partnership with UNEP brings valuable global expertise that will help our cities develop effective heat action plans, adopt passive and nature-based cooling strategies, and attract long-term investments in thermal comfort and climate resilience. All efforts will be closely coordinated with state departments, municipal bodies and urban planning agencies to ensure integration and impact at scale. This collaboration strengthens our ongoing work under the Decarbonisation Roadmap for Maharashtra’s Cities for the Buildings and Energy Sector as well as Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan and reaffirms Maharashtra’s commitment to building a climate-resilient and sustainable future.”
Beyond this, the MoU also covers broader areas of environmental collaboration including circular economy, carbon emissions reduction, ecosystem restoration, environmental education, and engaging youth in climate action. UNEP will offer advisory support to strengthen ongoing initiatives and co-develop new programs in these areas.
This partnership marks a critical step in Maharashtra’s efforts to tackle extreme heat and build climate-resilient cities. By combining the state’s local leadership with UNEP’s global expertise and science-based approach, the collaboration aims to drive integrated and scalable solutions that deliver long-term environmental and social impact. Together, UNEP and the Government of Maharashtra are working to create a model for inclusive, climate-smart urban development that can inspire broader action across India and beyond.