Drop in Pune's ability to absorb carbon is a wakeup call for most Indian cities

India Today

22-05-2025

Pune, one of India's fastest-growing urban centers, has witnessed a dramatic 34% decline in its carbon sequestration capacity over the past decade, according to a new study by MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) and Sustaina Greens LLP.The research, led by Dr. Pankaj Koparde and Pratiksha Chalke, highlights the environmental cost of the city's rapid expansion, with built-up areas increasing by 12% between 2013 and 2022.advertisementThis surge in urban development has come at the expense of Pune's green cover, significantly reducing the city's ability to absorb carbon dioxide—a major greenhouse gas driving climate change.
The study, published in the journal Sustainable Futures, also found a 13% drop in Pune's flood mitigation potential, attributed to the disruption of natural drainage systems and unchecked construction along riversides and floodplains.These changes have heightened the city's vulnerability to flooding, especially as erratic monsoon patterns become more frequent.
The study points to the importance of preserving Pune's native landscapes its hills, rivers, and wetlands. (Photo: Getty)
Dr. Koparde emphasized the crucial role of Pune's native landscapes—its hills, rivers, and wetlands—which historically have acted as natural buffers against carbon emissions, heat, and flooding.advertisement'Our results underline the irreplaceable role of native geological and ecological features such as urban hills and wetlands in maintaining urban environmental health. As tropical metro cities like Pune expand, sustainable development can only be achieved by leveraging these native assets rather than undermining them,' he stated.The study calls for urgent policy interventions, including the protection and restoration of urban hills, wetlands, and riverside green buffers. It advocates for the adoption of ecosystem service valuation models and integrated urban planning frameworks to ensure that future growth is both ecologically balanced and data-driven.Dr. R. M. Chitnis, Vice-Chancellor of MIT-WPU, described the findings as a wake-up call for all rapidly urbanising Indian cities.'Science must guide policy, and sustainability must be central to all development. It is imperative that urban planning prioritizes ecological preservation alongside progress,' he said.As cities across India and the Global South grapple with climate change and urbanization, Pune's experience serves as a critical case study in balancing growth with environmental sustainability.Must Watch