New Delhi [India], March 27: Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) and the Howden Foundation have joined forces to improve climate resilience towards extreme heat amongst New Delhi’s most vulnerable communities, as urban heat conditions in New Delhi reach alarming levels.
Through this collaboration, SEEDS will combine AI-driven heat mapping with satellite imagery and local weather data to identify homes most at risk of extreme heat in New Delhi, and will implement sustainable, nature-based infrastructure solutions to enhance thermal comfort for those living in high-risk households. The project will run from January 2025 to December 2027, and will prioritize heat wave preparedness – aiming to reduce indoor temperatures by 6-8°C, significantly improving quality of life and reducing heat-related illnesses and fatalities during heatwaves
The partnership comes as New Delhi has experienced alarming heat levels, with a 52 day streak of daily extreme temperature days recorded in 2024—the highest in 14 years. On May 29, 2024, New Delhi recorded a staggering 52.9°C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in India. The extreme heat has had a devastating impact, particularly on the most vulnerable communities who live in densely packed, poorly ventilated areas that trap heat, creating hazardous living conditions. These communities currently represent 1% of New Delhi’s population.
To tackle these challenges, SEEDS will use materials such as repurposed jute bags, bamboo mats, and green cover creepers to naturally regulate indoor temperatures across 1,450 shelters in Sultanpuri North West District Delhi. The initial rollout in 2025 will insulate 600 shelters with a further 850 shelters being insulated in 2026, providing immediate relief to residents facing rising temperatures and worsening urban heat conditions.
SEEDS will work alongside and train community members and volunteers to support the implementation of these climate-resilient housing solutions. They will also work closely with local government stakeholders to advocate for the inclusion of such initiatives in future climate action plans for the city. Through developing a scalable model for expanding climate adaptation and resilience efforts across other high-risk regions in India, SEEDS and the Howden Foundation aim to drive systemic change in climate adaptation for underserved communities.
Clare Ballantine, Head of the Howden Foundation shares: “Extreme heat is one of the deadliest impacts of climate change, and its effects are being felt most by those with the fewest resources to adapt. Through our partnership with SEEDS, we’re supporting at-risk households with innovative, low-cost insulating solutions that can reduce internal building temperatures by 6-8 degrees Celsius, having lifesaving impacts on their inhabitants. By working alongside local residents, these initiatives not only help people stay safe today, but also empowers them with the tools to protect their communities in the future.”
SEEDS co-founder Dr Manu Gupta while reiterating the need to protect vulnerable communities from extreme climate induced event, welcomed the partnership, “Insulating homes of the most vulnerable during the heatwaves has the potential to save lives and protect the elderly, women and children.”
About SEEDS
SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) is a leading non-profit organization with nearly 31 years of experience in strengthening resilience among communities at risk of disasters and climate change impacts. By blending innovative technology with traditional knowledge, SEEDS develops solutions for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. With a strong focus on marginalized communities, the organization collaborates with local governments and grassroots groups to equip people with the skills and resources needed to tackle future challenges effectively.
About Howden Foundation
The Howden Foundation is the corporate foundation of global insurance group, Howden, extending the charitable work of the business and its people. We empower communities around the world who are facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis to take action to address it, such that they can prepare for, adapt to and recover from its increasingly devastating effects. Working in partnership with these communities and the organisations that know them best, we provide funding, support and technical advice wherever it is needed most. For more information, visit www.howdenfoundation.com
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