Better cities are possible: Transforming informal settlements on a warming planet

There are currently 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements worldwide and this number is estimated to triple in the next 30 years, with most of this growth happening in countries where urbanisation is on the rise. Residents of informal settlements are often the first to suffer the consequences of global crises and the last to recover. Recognising informal settlements as a predominant form of urbanisation will help cities work with informality rather than fighting against it.

This report explores the critical shifts in governance, policy and action that are needed to address the growing challenges, exacerbated by climate change, that are faced by informal settlement residents. Through reflections on what ‘transformation’ means for settlements from the perspective of migration and displacement, housing justice, climate justice and resilience, it provides recommendations for governments, researchers, civil society and international donors.