Mid-sized cities in Kenya and Mozambique face closing window to cut carbon, OECD warns

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently issued a crucial warning regarding fast-growing intermediary cities in Kenya and Mozambique, stating that they face a 'closing window' to curb carbon emissions. This report underscores a global challenge, particularly pertinent to rapidly urbanising developing nations like India, highlighting the urgent need to reshape land use and transport planning to avoid car-dependent growth.

**Background Context: The Urbanisation Imperative and Climate Crisis**

Globally, urban areas are hubs of economic activity and population growth. Developing countries, in particular, are witnessing unprecedented rates of urbanisation, often accompanied by unplanned sprawl and increasing demand for infrastructure. Intermediary cities – those mid-sized cities that are not primary metropolitan centres but are experiencing significant growth – are at a critical juncture. They have the opportunity to adopt sustainable development pathways before deeply entrenched, carbon-intensive infrastructure systems become too costly or difficult to reverse. The OECD, an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, aims to stimulate economic progress and world trade. Its reports often provide data-driven policy recommendations to both its members and developing economies, focusing on issues like sustainable development, governance, and economic growth. This particular warning emerges from the broader global commitment to combat climate change, enshrined in agreements like the Paris Agreement, which mandates countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

**The OECD's Warning for Kenya and Mozambique**

The report specifically flags intermediary cities in Kenya and Mozambique, two rapidly developing African nations, as being at a pivotal moment. It warns that these cities are on a trajectory towards car-dependent urbanisation, a model that has historically led to high carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and reduced quality of life in many developed and developing cities. The 'closing window' implies that decisions made in the next few years regarding urban planning, public transport investments, and land use policies will have long-lasting impacts on their carbon footprint. The core recommendation is a proactive shift towards integrated land use and transport planning, prioritising public transport, walking, cycling, and compact, mixed-use developments over sprawling, car-centric designs.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

Several key stakeholders are central to addressing this challenge. Firstly, the **OECD** itself, as the author of the report, plays a role in research, policy advocacy, and setting international benchmarks. Secondly, the **national governments of Kenya and Mozambique** are crucial, as they formulate national urban policies, allocate resources, and provide regulatory frameworks. Thirdly, **local urban authorities and municipal bodies** in these intermediary cities are on the front lines of implementation, responsible for day-to-day planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery. Fourthly, **international development agencies and financial institutions** (like the World Bank, African Development Bank, UN-Habitat) often provide technical assistance and funding for sustainable urban projects. Finally, **citizens and civil society organisations** are vital in advocating for sustainable choices and participating in urban planning processes.

**Why This Matters Immensely for India**

The OECD's warning, though directed at Kenya and Mozambique, carries profound significance for India. India is undergoing one of the fastest urbanisation rates globally, with its urban population projected to reach 600 million by 2030. A significant portion of this growth is occurring in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which are essentially India's 'intermediary cities'.

1. **Parallel Urbanisation Challenges**: Like Kenya and Mozambique, many Indian cities are grappling with unplanned growth, inadequate public transport, and increasing reliance on private vehicles. This leads to severe air pollution, traffic congestion, and a growing carbon footprint.

2. **Climate Change Commitments**: India has committed to ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of its GDP by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieving Net Zero by 2070. Sustainable urban development, particularly in intermediary cities, is critical to meeting these targets.

3. **Economic and Social Impact**: A car-dependent growth model imposes huge economic costs (fuel imports, infrastructure maintenance, productivity loss due to congestion) and social costs (health issues from pollution, reduced public spaces, inequitable access to mobility). Conversely, sustainable urban development can foster green jobs, improve public health, and enhance livability.

**Constitutional and Policy Framework in India**

India has several policy and constitutional provisions relevant to this issue:

* **74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992**: This landmark amendment institutionalised Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and devolved powers for urban planning and development. Article 243W and the Twelfth Schedule list functions like 'Urban planning including town planning' and 'Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings' as responsibilities of municipalities. This provides the constitutional basis for local bodies to implement sustainable land use and transport policies.

* **National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006**: This policy aims to promote sustainable urban transport systems, giving priority to public transport and non-motorised modes over personal vehicles.

* **Smart Cities Mission (launched 2015)** and **Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)**: These flagship missions aim to promote sustainable and inclusive cities by improving urban infrastructure, including public transport, green spaces, and smart governance solutions.

* **Environmental Protection Act, 1986**: Provides a framework for environmental protection and improvement, which can be leveraged for stricter emission norms and sustainable urban planning.

* **India's NDCs**: The country's commitments under the Paris Agreement drive national and sub-national policies towards de-carbonisation, making sustainable urbanisation a crucial component.

**Broader Themes and Future Implications**

This issue ties into broader themes of sustainable development (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action), climate justice, and good governance. For India, the future implications are profound. If its intermediary cities follow a car-dependent path, the environmental burden will be immense, jeopardising climate goals and public health. However, if India actively implements integrated land use and transport planning, invests heavily in robust public transport, promotes non-motorised transport, and encourages compact, mixed-use development, it can set a global example for green urbanisation. This would not only help achieve climate targets but also create more equitable, efficient, and livable cities, fostering long-term economic resilience and social well-being. The window for proactive planning is indeed closing, making timely policy interventions and robust implementation critical for India's sustainable future.