Urban green space planning for climate adaptation in Indian cities

•With growing urbanisation and population the availability of per capita green space is decreasing in most Indian cities.•Though Indian cities are more vulnerable to climate change there is gap in climate adaptation in policies.•Urban green spaces can be cost effective tool in climate adaptation.•Global best practices on planning socially and environmentally sustainable urban green spaces is discussed.•A recommendation is made for developing a guidelines for urban development authority to develop urban green spaces.

Indian cities are currently facing high challenges because of growing urbanization and the impacts of climate change. And there is a lack of understanding on using urban green spaces for climate adaptation and mitigation. This article highlights urban green spaces as a cost effective measure for climate adaptation. Following a review of global literature, it also recommends best practices in green space planning for the conservation of urban biodiversity, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and enhancement of ecosystem services for Indian cities. The article proposes that there should be guidelines for urban planners and foresters on green space planning, by using integrated approaches that meet the social and ecological needs of the cities.