Urban planning, design and management approaches to building resilience – an evidence review (first report)

This is the first report on protecting environments and health by building urban resilience. This Protecting environments and health by building urban resilience project aims to support local authorities and decision-makers to reflect on the environment and health dimensions of local preparedness and resilience, and to promote the application of urban planning approaches to establish safe, healthy and sustainable citieis. This report compiles academic evidence on the urban environmental impact of disasters and extreme events, and the related implications for increasing preparedness and resilience through urban planning, design and management decisions.

Urban planning, risk governance and resilience have become increasingly important pathways to promote and protect public health at the local level. Climate change, inadequately planned urbanization and environmental degradation have left many cities vulnerable to disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the links between health and urban environments, and the relevance of sustainable and resilient planning. Various global frameworks have been established to address sustainable development, urban environments and resilience, and awareness of the local benefits associated with implementation of these global agendas is increasing.