WRI India Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

We live in a rapidly urbanizing world with 7 out of 10 people projected to live in urban areas by 2050. Current estimates suggest about 36% of India’s population is urban and by 2050, this number will double to 800 million. Our urban areas are drivers of economic growth and innovation — but they also drive rising inequality, ecosystem destruction and climate change. 

Cities are at a critical inflection point: decisions made today will determine our tomorrow. We can either continue with “business as usual” and get locked into a high-carbon, inefficient and unsustainable growth or choose to shape efficient, well-designed cities that put us on the path towards a sustainable, resilient and more inclusive future. 

WRI India Ross Center aims to transform the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and the climate. We believe compact, connected growth can result in efficient and well-designed cities that significantly lower a resident’s ecological footprint along with offering equitable access to opportunities and essential services. 

We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing urban challenges, leveraging evidence-based data, applied research and our network of partners and experts. We support pilot projects in select Indian cities by deploying best practices in partnership with local communities and urban stakeholders. Our research and findings, from these transformative projects, helps us deepen our geographic focus, enabling us to replicate and scale – shaping cities that are good for people and the planet.

WRI India Ross Center for Sustainable Cities seeks to shape a future where cities work better for everyone. We collaborate at all levels with the government, city administrations, urban stakeholders and partners to help cities become resilient, low-carbon and liveable while balancing their socio-economic goals.