Small spaces big impact: Terrace gardens for climate resilience
Studies show that a green roof can lower surface temperatures by up to 20°C compared to traditional concrete.iStock

Small spaces, big impact: Terrace gardens for climate resilience

Vegetation on rooftops and balconies can reduce the surrounding temperature through natural shading and evapotranspiration
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Centre for Science and Environment’s Climate India 2024 report highlighted an urgent crisis: The country endured extreme weather event nearly every day in the first nine months of the year, claiming more than 3,000 lives and damaging over 3.2 million hectares of crops.

These severe conditions affected nearly all Indian states and Union territories, underscoring the need for adaptable and immediate solutions.

For urban communities — especially for those who work outdoors or live in temporary shelters — the risks of extreme temperatures are even more pronounced. Cities across India are facing increased strain as temperatures continue to rise, overwhelming infrastructure and public health resources.

Though state governments are implementing night shelters, adjusting school timings and running awareness campaigns, these measures alone are insufficient against the mounting climate challenges.

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Small spaces big impact: Terrace gardens for climate resilience

Urban areas are increasingly looking toward green solutions like terrace and balcony gardens, which can play a crucial role in adapting to climate extremes. Studies reveal that integrating greenery into cityscapes can naturally regulate temperatures and contribute to urban resilience.

Around the world, cities are finding success with similar strategies. Copenhagen in Denmark, for instance, has transformed its environment by promoting green roofs and encouraging residents to maintain these spaces themselves.

This approach not only cools urban spaces but also encourages community responsibility and engagement. India has a real opportunity to adopt similar practices with terrace and balcony gardens, which are versatile enough to be incorporated into various types of housing and accessible across economic groups.

Terrace and balcony gardens offer significant benefits in the fight against climate extremes, especially during heat waves, which have become more intense in Indian cities. Vegetation on rooftops and balconies can reduce the surrounding temperature through natural shading and evapotranspiration, the cooling process of water evaporating from plants.

Studies show that a green roof can lower surface temperatures by up to 20°C compared to traditional concrete, creating more comfortable conditions. This cooling effect not only improves air quality but also reduces energy consumption by cutting down the need for air conditioning, indirectly curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban balconies and terraces can easily host vegetables, herbs and other plants, providing residents with fresh produce while also addressing the urban heat island effect. These spaces offer a chance to reconnect with nature, supporting better mental well-being and stress relief.

Beyond temperature control, terrace and balcony gardens provide insulation benefits during colder months, reducing indoor heating needs. Green walls and roofs act as a natural buffer, retaining warmth and helping to cut energy costs.

Additionally, green roofs serve as windbreaks, softening the impact of chilly winds. While often valued for their cooling properties, these green solutions offer year-round benefits, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures and making them a valuable strategy for climate adaptation in urban spaces.

The environmental impact of these green spaces goes further by creating small ecosystems that attract birds, pollinators and insects, which support biodiversity. Terrace and balcony gardens offer an opportunity to enhance ecological stability in urban centers, enriching daily city life and creating connections to the natural world.

These gardens often become gathering points for neighbours to share gardening knowledge, exchange seeds and collaborate, nurturing a shared sense of purpose and building community bonds around sustainability.

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India’s cities could become leaders in adopting green spaces as a central strategy for climate adaptation. Supportive policies and incentives would help drive the adoption of green roofs and balcony gardens.

Updating building codes to encourage green rooftops in new construction and offering subsidies or tax breaks to households retrofitting their terraces with plants would make these green spaces more common across urban areas.

With the right backing, terrace and balcony gardens could quickly become a familiar sight in Indian cities, creating a low-cost, high-impact response to the immediate challenges of climate change.

Green roofs, terraces and balcony gardens offer more than just aesthetic value; they are essential for strengthening cities against climate challenges. Expanding these practices can transform Indian cities into cooler, healthier spaces that soften the impacts of rising temperatures and unpredictable weather.

With climate change posing serious threats, India’s cities have an opportunity to adopt green spaces on rooftops and balconies as a straightforward, effective approach. By integrating greenery into urban planning, we can create cities that withstand climate extremes while supporting a sustainable and healthier environment.

Eilia Jafar is a humanitarian and development professional.

Views expressed are author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth

Down To Earth
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