Cities and climate change-book launch explores progress paradox

"Those with geopolitical power will allow certain climate actions for the good of humanity to work as legal punishments for one part or another," said urban researcher Gautam Bhan, speaking at the launch of Cities Rethought: A New Urban Disposition at the India International Center (ICC) last week. "African cities have no paradigm for development because in 30 years people will be punished for using carbon." India and Africa, both working toward industrialisation, illustrate the dilemma. While India is gradually shifting towards renewable energy, the transition remains fraught with trade-offs due to the unequal power dynamics shaping global climate policies….