MANY global cities aren't yet ready to become resilient in the face of climate change, as they seek to adapt and transform to withstand the environmental challenges of the future.
According to new analysis from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), covering just over 800 cities worldwide, 43% of global cities have not yet defined adaptation plans to face the coming challenges of climate change and to keep people and critical infrastructure safe from climate threats. However, 93% of cities are conscious of the direct threats they face from climate change. And, among the consequences of climate change, 20% of cities report that they are facing a risk of infectious diseases or – even worse – a new pandemic.
The study compiles a total of over 3,400 actions undertaken by the cities covered in the analysis, including actions from tree planting and greening (20% of cities) to the development of hazard-resistant infrastructure (10%). The report reveals that 422 cities reported 1,142 climate projects that require financing, representing a collective cost of over US$70 billion (RM289 billion).
Top areas in which the cities are seeking funding for actions include transport (16% of projects), renewable energy (12%), energy efficiency and renovation (12%) and water management (12%). Unfortunately, 25% of cities cite budgetary capacity issues as a barrier to adaptation through these kinds of actions.
Cities that already consider themselves as resilient – and which have an action plan in place to deal with the effects of climate change – include Melbourne, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Durban, South Africa, Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France. – ETX Studio, May 19, 2021
