When monsoon pours down across India, many of the country’s citizens, across its large metropolises, confront a re-occurring predicament. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, all witness inland floods; people wade their way through knee-high waters in Kolkata, while rafts come out on Mumbai’s roads. Monsoon floods do not stop at the city’s roads, they enter homes, offices and hospitals, exposing a failing sewage system our cities seem simply unable to fix. On the other hand, summers witness intense heatwaves and drought, leaving many without potable water.

Indian cities are in climate trouble, and adaptation to the unpredictability of climate change needs to be multifaceted. While institutional and governmental measures can provide structural support, systems of adaptation often overlook the nuances of vulnerability that shape the diverse populations of Indian cities. As we enter an uncertain future with varied climate implications, inclusion of all people affected in adaptation building is non-negotiable. In Indian cities, residents of informal settlements, or slums, are among those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Lack of stable income, paired with life in unplanned settlements makes slum inhabitants incredibly vulnerable to inland flood and heat stress. The challenges residents face are complex. Basic urban services such as availability of clean water, electricity, sanitation and well-built housing are scarce. Such issues reduce the adaptive capacity of inhabitants. Unprecedented rain for a single day could mean lack of electricity and potable........

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