Climate Resilience of Urban Communities- compilation of key resources

We are witnessing a rapid and unplanned urban development that is happening concurrently with other global crises, including climate change (particularly frequent floods, sea level rises, subsidence and heatwaves), the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing violence and conflict.

Many of the world’s cities lack adequate infrastructure and resilient systems to withstand the impacts of multiple hazards and disaster risks. As a result, the vulnerabilities of underserved urban communities are becoming more complex and intersecting with environmental, societal, and economic change. At the same time, cities have always been engines of economic prosperity and technological innovation and offer a wide range of opportunities for people. Diverse urban communities are motivated to self-organize and take action to improve their quality of life. Existence of numerous private sector actors along with a range of civic and public institutions are among the important resources that cities typically offer. 

Below is a compilation of resources to help practitioners understand and plan for climate action in cities.

Understanding Urban Climate Action: An Introduction for Practitioners

Climate Action Planning (Variety of resources for climate smart, sustainable cities)

Urban Ocean: Building clean, healthy cities for clean, healthy seas

Climate Technologies in an Urban Context

Integrating Climate Change Adaptation: A toolkit for urban planners and adaptation practitioners 

Turning the tide: adapting to climate change in coastal communities (IFRC)

Displacement in a Changing Climate (IFRC)

Deploying distributed renewable energy to reduce the impacts of extreme heat on the urban poor