Disasters and Risk in Cities

Abstract

The effects of climate-related disasters are often exacerbated in cities due to interactions with urban infrastructure systems, growing urban populations, cultures, and economic activities. Because the majority of the world’s population is currently living in cities –and with this share projected to increase in the coming decades– cities need to focus on improving responses to climate-related disasters such as heat waves, floods, and droughts. In a changing climate, a new decision-making framework is needed in order to manage emerging and increasing risks. This involves a paradigm shift away from attention to single climate hazards based on past events. The new paradigm requires integrated, system-based risk assessments and interventions that address current and future hazards throughout entire metropolitan regions.