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How Effective Data Mapping Can Support Local Communities Manage Climate Crisis
How Effective Data Mapping Can Support Local Communities Manage Climate Crisis

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Data mapping is foundational to climate action, which informs communities about the critical impacts on livelihood and on day to day life. Using data to examine the impact of climate change on health and risks is instrumental in identifying opportunities for action to increase the capacity of communities to adapt to a changing environment.

Working towards building adaptive capacity necessitates prioritizing community values and ensuring that data points support community needs in preparing for emerging hazards, orienting climate action towards equity, and supporting community resilience in the face of climate change.

Data mapping also helps local governments to function more efficiently, considering they are at the forefront in making decisions associated with construction, basic amenities, human settlements and more.

Informative, Data-Driven Approach to Climate Change in Bengaluru

To leverage these advantages, the Ellara Bengaluru initiative collectively decided to implement the “ward factsheet” process to collect meticulous, grassroot-level data to monitor the gradual impact of climate change across local communities in Bengaluru.

The Ward Factsheet is a collaborative effort of Ellara Bengaluru organizations — works out as an exercise conducted to measure the impacts of climate change within urban planning contexts, as micro-level (ward-level) data is not available in the city-level climate action plan.

By concentrating on the ward, the smallest unit of city planning, this exercise enables detailed data collection and validation at the micro level. This meticulous approach helps capture the unique challenges and needs of each ward, especially those often overlooked in broader city-level assessments. Integrating climate considerations into this granular level of planning ensures that urban poor communities, who are most affected by climate change, receive the attention and resources they need. The Ward Factsheet bridges gaps in understanding and addresses the challenges faced by the ward, making it a pivotal resource for implementing city-level climate action plans — eventually building a ‘bottom-up’ approach to solving the climate crisis.

The data mined through this process, will be used to address specific issues such as flooding, heat stress, air pollution, and infrastructure disparities. The data collected will additionally also support the  existing coalition members with their individual areas of work.

Positioning “People First”

The success of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies hinges on the integration of accurate, localized data into decision-making processes. Data mapping, as employed by Ellara Bengaluru through the Ward Factsheet initiative, offers a clear path forward in addressing the micro-level impacts of climate change. By centering this effort on the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring that their voices are heard, we can create more resilient urban environments that are equipped to withstand future climate stressors.

Statistics underscore the importance of this work: according to the World Bank, for every dollar invested in climate-resilient infrastructure, six dollars are saved in disaster response and recovery. Furthermore, data-driven interventions in urban planning have been shown to reduce climate-related risks by up to 30%, as per a study published by the Global Commission on Adaptation.

The Ward Factsheet is more than just a data collection tool—it is a means of empowering communities, guiding policymakers, and fostering collaboration between local governments and residents. By focusing on the granular details, we can build a comprehensive, bottom-up approach to climate action that not only addresses immediate concerns but also paves the way for sustainable, long-term solutions.

As Bengaluru continues to face the challenges of a changing climate, initiatives like Ellara Bengaluru's Ward Factsheet will be crucial in ensuring that all communities, especially the most vulnerable, are prepared and protected.


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Bijal Brahmbhatt
Executive Director at Mahila Housing Trust

Bijal Brahmbhatt is Executive Director at the Mahila Housing Trust in Gujarat, India. She is a civil engineer by training and a recognised expert in habitat improvement, community development, and housing finance. She has extensive experience in conceptualising, planning, managing, and providing support for slum upgradation programmes across India.

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