ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine climate-related uncertainties in the coastal megacity of Mumbai. We uncover the narratives, perspectives, and responses of the “above”, “middle” and “below” with respect to climate change in a context of growing uncertainty and examine the nexus between urban development, political economy and the science–policy interface. We argue that the dominant pathways of dealing with climate and flood-related uncertainties are exclusionary in nature and vie for control through structural measures rather than integrating alternative planning ideas or evolving climate change threats into urban governance and policy. Our findings suggest that there needs to be a shift in Mumbai’s exclusionary approach of urban governance and development when addressing the multiple, intersecting uncertainties, including those from climate change, that confront the city and its most vulnerable residents.
