Urbanisation fuelling compound climate extremes: Expert
As part of the centenary celebrations of Andhra University, the Department of Meteorology and Oceanography, College of Science and Technology, organised a guest lecture on “Urbanisation and the Rising Threat of Compound Climate Extremes in Cities.”
Delivering the lecture, Prof. A.N.V. Satyanarayana, an alumnus of Andhra University and a faculty member at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, highlighted the growing risks associated with rapid and often unplanned urbanisation. He drew attention to the increasing frequency of compound climate extremes, where multiple weather events, such as heatwaves and intense rainfall, occur simultaneously or in quick succession, aggravating their overall impact.
Citing recent trends, he noted that many Indian cities are witnessing a dangerous combination of rising temperatures and short-duration, high-intensity rainfall, leading to severe urban flooding, infrastructure stress, and public health concerns. He explained that the urban heat island effect, coupled with shrinking green cover, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage systems, is amplifying these risks.
Prof. Satyanarayana stressed that cities must move towards climate-resilient planning by integrating scientific data into urban development policies. He called for improved forecasting systems, sustainable land-use practices, expansion of urban green spaces, and stronger coordination between scientific institutions and urban planners to mitigate future risks.
Head of the Department, Prof. C.V. Naidu, along with chairperson Prof. Suneetha, felicitated the speaker and observed that urban climatology has emerged as a critical area of study in the context of global warming and climate change. They emphasised the need for interdisciplinary research and greater awareness among students and policymakers.
Several scientists and academicians, including Prof. D.V. Bhaskar Rao, Prof. V.B. Rao, R.R. Rao, Prof. Ramakrishna, V.S. Naidu, and Soma Sundar, participated in the programme and interacted with the speaker during the session.
Faculty members, research scholars, and students from the Departments of Meteorology, Oceanography, and Geophysics attended the lecture and engaged in discussions on emerging climate challenges and urban sustainability.