The challenges of adapting to a warmer planet for urban growth and development

Policy brief no. 25:

This paper addresses the challenges resulting from rapid urban growth amplified by the risk of climate change. It describes the climate change threats to urban environments, such as sea-level rise in coastal zones, water scarcity, flooding, as well as the impacts on agriculture and food security; and advocates for national and local policies to identify and influence development in urban areas, including: (i) adequate urban governance structures; (ii) policy action to prevent disasters by increasing resilience of those at risk; and (iii) a focus on investing in climate-proof infrastructure, land-use planning and regulatory measures, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable dwellings and high-risk areas.