From heatwaves to cooling futures: Maharashtra’s leadership in climate action in India

This special issue documents how the Maharashtra state is responding—through science-based, locally led, and governance-backed cooling solutions across cities, coasts, and rural districts. As one of India’s most heat-exposed states, Maharashtra is at the frontline of rising temperatures, urban heat islands, and climate-linked livelihood risks.

The contributions in this edition—ranging from reflective cool roofs and biomimicry in architecture to ocean-informed cooling and nature-based approaches—demonstrate the breadth of innovation emerging across the state. And there are many many more such innovations across Maharashtra. This issue will be of interest to state and district officials, urban planners, health and disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners, researchers, and community organisations across India and South Asia who are seeking practical pathways from emergency heat response to long-term, equity-centred cooling.