Kerala’s unique topography, with its coasts, coastal plains, Western Ghats, and intricate network of rivers, makes it highly susceptible to climate change impacts, including floods, landslides, and coastal erosion. Kochi, fondly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is no stranger to heavy rainfall, but its climate vulnerabilities extend beyond seasonal downpours.

The city’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable, impacting not only the economy but also the livelihoods of fishing communities, migrant workers, and low-income households. These challenges underscore the need for robust community-driven strategies that enhance the adaptive capacity of all communities, emphasizing the importance of participatory planning and resource allocation in fostering resilience.

Across Kerala, and specifically in Kochi, community resilience has become a focal point of development discussions.

Since 2008, the Earth Care Awards—a joint initiative of JSW and The Times of India Group—have been championing efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation across India. As part of this, the panel discussion titled “Adapting to Change: Scaling Climate Resilience in Kerala’s Landscapes”. The discussion aims to bring together leading voices in sustainability, urban planning, climate action, and community development to discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering climate resilience in vulnerable geographies like Kochi.