New Delhi, June 3 -- "The cities of the future cannot simply be hotter versions of today's cities with more cooling systems added. They need to be designed differently, with greater emphasis on walkability, green and blue spaces, mixed land use, climate-sensitive architecture, and public spaces that reduce heat exposure while improving quality of life," Angela Lusigi, resident representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India, said.

She also stressed that as exposure to extreme heat increases in India, focus should be on practical solutions, with localised delivery of climate finance. UNDP has worked with India to develop its national adaptation plan which incorporates some of these strategies.

Excerpts from interview:...