There is a perception that despite considerable economic growth, India has not made commensurate progress in addressing anthropometric (weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height or body mass index-for-age) undernutrition. The current national prevalence of undernutrition in children below five years is still high; 39% are stunted, 29% are underweight and 15% are wasted. However, this common belief appears somewhat flawed; there has been substantial improvement in stunting and underweight over the years.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the prime cause of climate change, to which India is a significant party. International Energy Agency, in its World Energy Outlook report estimates that 70% of the GHGs are produced within the cities. But there is limited empirical evidence to substantiate such claims in the Indian context. India being a developing country with a large rural population base, the general perception is that cities hardly have any carbon footprint. This article is an empirical study of urban contribution of carbon dioxide emissions.