Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday released the book ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities — From Climate Risk to Green Opportunities’ in Gandhinagar, highlighting the need to view rapid urbanisation as an opportunity to build sustainable and climate-resilient cities rather than a challenge.Authored by Shalini Agarwal, managing director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd, the book presents a vision for future urban development aligned with global urbanisation trends, according to an official statement.The book emphasises the importance of proactive planning and policy interventions to tackle environmental and social challenges arising from rapid urban growth. It also explores solutions to the impact of climate change linked to rising energy demand, resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with expanding cities.The book notes that increasing urbanisation puts pressure on infrastructure, housing, water supply and essential services, making sustainable and well-planned development critical for cities.It further outlines potential funding avenues for sustainable development projects, including green bonds, public-private partnerships, carbon markets and climate finance. Such financial tools can help cities mobilise investment for climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen the financial capacity of local govt institutions.According to the statement, the book argues that cities should be seen not as sources of problems but as platforms where social, economic and environmental solutions can emerge through better planning, technology and sustainable policies.
