Climate change impacts and adaptation in cities: a review of the literature |
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Authors: | Alistair Hunt Paul Watkiss |
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Institution: | (1) Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, One Bethel Valley Road, PO Box 2008, MS-6301, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6253, USA;(2) IMS Consulting, Bristol, UK;(3) CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship, Aspendale, Victoria, Australia |
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Abstract: | Many of the decisions relating to future urban development require information on climate change risks to cities This review
of the academic and “grey” literature provides an overview assessment of the state of the art in the quantification and valuation
of climate risks at the city-scale. We find that whilst a small number of cities, mostly in OECD countries, have derived quantitative
estimates of the costs of climate change risks under alternative scenarios, this form of analysis is in its infancy. The climate
risks most frequently addressed in existing studies are associated with sea-level rise, health and water resources. Other
sectors such as energy, transport, and built infrastructure remain less studied. The review has also undertaken a case study
to examine the progress in two cities—London and New York—which are relatively advanced in the assessment of climate risks
and adaptation. The case studies show that these cities have benefited from stakeholder engagement at an early stage in their
risk assessments. They have also benefited from the development of specific institutional responsibilities for co-ordinating
such research from the outset. This involvement has been critical in creating momentum and obtaining resources for subsequent
in-depth analysis of sectoral impacts and adaptation needs..While low cost climate down-scaling applications would be useful
in future research, the greatest priority is to develop responses that can work within the high future uncertainty of future
climate change, to build resilience and maintain flexibility. This can best be used within the context of established risk
management practices. |
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