In a move to combat climate change and address urban heat, Paris is set to transform its streetscape as part of its 2024-2030 Climate Plan. The plan, awaiting approval from the Paris City Council, outlined the removal of 60,000 parking spaces across the city, replacing them with trees, green spaces and “oasis squares”.
This major initiative, led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, is a key part of the city's effort to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and adapt to rising temperatures.
While Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are struggling to implement effective parking management plans already prepared for the city, Paris’ approach sets a revolutionary example. The centrepiece of Paris’ new climate plan is the transformation of 60,000 parking spaces into green spaces.
These areas will feature rows of trees, which will help reduce the urban heat island effect, absorb stormwater and enhance biodiversity. The plan aims to create 300 hectares of new green space by 2030, with 10 per cent of that area completed by 2026.
The transformation in Paris will also create “oasis squares” in each of the city’s 20 arrondissements. These shaded spaces will offer residents cool retreats, reducing the impact of heatwaves by lowering surrounding air temperatures.
Similar efforts have been seen in Indian cities like Bangalore, where Cubbon Park acts as a green lung for the city, offering residents a space to escape the heat. Expanding these green spaces could play a key role in mitigating heat waves in Indian cities, where rising urban temperatures have become a severe challenge.
In India, cities like Delhi have faced growing concerns over air pollution and heat, with temperatures in the capital surpassing 50°C during peak summer months this year. Just like Paris, Indian cities can benefit from such green infrastructure.
For instance, Delhi’s Jahapanah forest and Lodhi Garden have long demonstrated the cooling effects of greenery in urban areas. If similar initiatives were implemented on a larger scale in densely built-up areas, they could provide much-needed relief from rising temperatures, improve air quality and create vibrant public spaces.
Another central element of the 2024-2030 Climate Plan is to continue pedestrianising Paris. Under Mayor Hidalgo’s leadership, the city has already made significant strides in reducing car traffic and prioritising pedestrians.
By 2030, the plan aims to create car-free zones in each of the city’s arrondissements, transforming areas once dominated by cars into walkable, people-friendly spaces.
In India, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and even smaller cities like Kochi and Pune have also seen pedestrian-friendly initiatives. These include like Chandni Chowk and Janpath in Delhi, marine drive and Carter road promenade in Mumbai, Gandhi Bazaar and Church Street in Bangalore, MG Road in Pune and Mattanchery market in Ernakulum, although they are still limited and on very small stretches. Increasing walkable spaces in Indian cities could greatly enhance urban livability.
In Paris, the Boulevard Périphérique, the inner ring road encircling the city, will also transform. One lane will be dedicated to public transport and carpooling, prioritising sustainable modes of travel. In addition, speed limits in many parts of the city will be reduced to 50 km / h (31 mph), enhancing pedestrian safety and cutting vehicle emissions.
These measures align with similar efforts in India, such as Bangalore’s Bus Priority lane on Outer Ring Road with a dedicated bus lane is a similar example, which aims to reduce private vehicle usage and enhance public transportation options.
Paris' commitment to reducing vehicle emissions needs to be echoed in India's city planning, as much of the country battles with toxic levels of air pollution. Delhi, for instance, consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world.
Initiatives like banning high-emission vehicles from certain zones which takes place only during the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan during winters (due to high AQI levels), similar to Paris’ move, could help alleviate pollution in Indian cities.
A model for Indian Cities
Paris is creating a more resilient, sustainable and liveable city by transforming urban spaces, prioritising green infrastructure and reducing car dependency. Though similar initiatives have been taking place in Indian cities as well, Paris’ climate plan is revolutionary in terms of the scale at which these initiatives are planned to achieve the city's climate goals.
As the global urban population continues to grow, cities around the world, including those in Indian, must find ways to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Paris is showing that it is possible to reduce a city’s environmental footprint while making it a more pleasant and healthier place to live. The 2024-2030 Climate Plan is a bold and forward-thinking initiative that may inspire other cities, including those in India, to follow suit.