Mumbai Climate Week: Signs of change
India’s energy transition is no longer a distant aspiration – it’s happening now, shaping how we live, move and power our economy. From electric vehicles gliding through city streets to solar panels dotting rural landscapes, the shift towards clean energy is transforming everyday life. Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) 2026, scheduled for 17-19 February at the Jio World Convention Centre, is expected to throw light on this transformation and create a space for dialogue, learning and collaboration.
Energy transition is one of MCW’s three core themes, alongside Food Systems and Urban Resilience. But what does it really mean? It’s not just about replacing fossil fuels with renewables – it’s about rethinking how we power transport, industry and agriculture, the pillars of India’s growth story. This transition demands a balance between economic ambition and environmental responsibility, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of sustainability.
Inclusivity is at the heart of MCW. Citizens, students, professionals and community leaders are invited to participate, volunteer and engage with experts. This openness reflects a core belief: climate action is not the responsibility of governments and corporations alone – it’s a collective effort.
Positioned within the Global South context, MCW emphasises equity and access for vulnerable communities. For millions across developing nations, clean energy must be affordable and fair. The conversation goes beyond reducing emissions – it’s about adaptation, helping communities build resilience against climate impacts. This dual focus ensures sustainability is both forward-looking and just.
Cultural shift
Mumbai offers a glimpse of what this future looks like. New metro corridors and the growing presence of electric vehicles signal a shift towards cleaner mobility. These changes are more than infrastructure milestones – they represent a cultural shift towards sustainable choices. In industries and farmlands, the transition is quieter but equally significant. Businesses are adopting renewable energy, and solar-powered irrigation systems are making inroads into agriculture. These small steps collectively drive a big change.
MCW is not just an event – it’s a movement powered by collaboration. An initiative by Project Mumbai, it is supported by the government of Maharashtra, the department of environment & climate change and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Strategic partnerships strengthen its impact: Deloitte serves as the strategic knowledge partner, while organisations like Eversource Capital, India Climate Collaborative, Shakti Foundation and World Resources Institute (WRI) bring thematic expertise. International engagement comes through Climate Group, and ecosystem partners include Rainmatter Foundation, Mahindra Group, UNICEF and others.
At the heart of this initiative is Shishir Joshi, founder-CEO, Project Mumbai. A former senior journalist turned social innovator, Joshi has dedicated his career to building citizen-driven solutions for urban challenges. Under his leadership, Project Mumbai has become a model for collaborative governance, addressing issues from mental health to waste management. His vision for Mumbai Climate Week reflects his belief that sustainability must be inclusive, actionable and rooted in community participation. Joshi’s ability to bring together government, corporates and citizens has made Project Mumbai a trusted catalyst for change.
“Mumbai Climate Week marks a historic step for Maharashtra and India, as we unite and amplify the voices of the Global South,” affirms Joshi, speaking about the initiative. “This unique platform underscores our commitment to empowering climate-resilient communities through inclusive collaboration and relevant solutions. MCW will catalyse transformative impact, fostering partnerships that transcend borders”.