Over half of the world’s population now live in urban settlements, and the convergence of urbanisation and climate change threatens to have an unprecedented impact on economies, quality of life, and social stability. Alongside these threats, however, is an equally compelling set of opportunities. The concentration of people, industries and infrastructure, as well as social and cultural activities, acts as a crucible of innovation – developing ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve coping mechanisms and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts.
A new report from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), shows how cities can improve the way they operate in order to respond to climate change and provides practical strategies for strengthening their role as part of the solution. It examines the links between urbanisation and climate change, the potentially devastating effects of climate change on urban populations and the policy responses and practices that are emerging in urban areas.
Check it out via Cities and Climate Change, UN-HABITAT.
Picture credit: La Citta Vita
Want more on urban sustainability? Check out this previous post about Europe’s eco capital or learn more about Barcelona’s strategic sustainable development vision …
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Posted by Gotthard | May 8, 2011, 21:48