Focusing on adaptation and climate resilience issues, this anthology provides space for senior experts and practitioners to respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing the just transition movement in South Africa today, including natural resource use, jobs, mental health, gender equity, finance and more.

This paper analyses lessons from Kochi and Trivandrum, Kerala, India, where municipal government and community partnerships on house building projects have led to better quality new housing stock while reducing costs and environmental impacts. It finds that by placing participation at the heart of their processes, these cities have achieved 100 per cent occupancy rates at a lower cost, while also cutting carbon emissions and providing economic benefits. Nationwide, costs and occupancy levels of Kochi and Trivandrum could save Rs. 118 billion (US$1.71 billion) or build an additional 816,000 homes. 

Conventional approaches to solid waste management have often proven unaffordable and ineffective. This paper analyses the lessons from Ahmedabad, India. It finds that clear national leadership that supports municipal authorities to integrate unionised informal waste pickers into formal municipal waste management can deliver competitive recycling rates at lower costs, whilst also improving the income, health, job security and inclusion of marginalised groups, reducing urban poverty and enhancing climate resilience.