Climate Resilient Cities: A Primer on Reducing Vulnerabilities to Disasters

The Future Is Better Than You Think
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The Future Is Better Than You Think
In “Climate Resilient Cities: A Primer on Reducing Vulnerabilities to Disasters,” Prasad, Ranghieri, Shah, Trohanis, Kessler, and Sinha indicate that climate change poses a threat to civilization. In particular, the authors point out the adverse effects of climate change on cities, especially those in coastal areas. The increased levels of heat trapped in the atmosphere have set off processes that have modified weather patterns. Asia has experienced more than 500 floods, affecting more than 850 million individuals since the start of the 21st century. The article points out China, where out of the estimated 400 million urban population, 130 million reside in coastal cities which are vulnerable to sea level rise (Prasad, Ranghieri, Shah, Trohanis, Kessler & Sinha, 2009). The authors argue that cities are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because of their high populations and the concentration of infrastructure. The impacts of climate change will have significant implications for urban dwellers' social, economic and environmental well-being. The authors believe cities should take proactive measures to reduce their vulnerability to disasters. They recommend that relevant stakeholders should develop risk management and adaptation strategies. Further, they should integrate climate change considerations into urban planning and design. This essay will demonstrate that despite the challenges that cities face because of climate change, there is hope for a better future.
Prasad et al. (2009) reframe the problem of climate change from a short-term to a long-term issue that needs a forward-thinking approach to address it. The urban world is at a unique movement when the effects of climate change have become a reality. The authors believe cities should no longer approach the issue from a reactive and long-term basis. Instead, the authors reframe climate change as having adverse effects on future cities. According to Leeson (2018), in 1950s, only 30% of the population resided in urban areas. By 2014, 54% of the world’s population lived in urban settings. The urban population is projected to grow so that by 2050, 66% of the world’s population (about 10 billion people) will live in urban areas. The concentration of people in the cities makes them more vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change impacts. Prasad et al. (2009) indicate the need to focus more on the future problems that climate change will bring to urban dwellers. The problem of climate change is a long-term and systemic issue that requires stakeholders to approach it with forward thinking. Instead of concentrating majorly on climate change disasters, the authors indicate the need to implement proactive approaches like building resilience. Since cities will become more populated in the future, urban planners and relevant government urgencies should factor in the potential impact of climate change in their planning process.
Innovative technologies have a critical role in combating climate change. Firstly, information technology facilitates the flow of information. The advancement of information instruments makes it possible to spread information easily. Through awareness campaigns, people become aware of the need to combat climate change. Here, they learn the need to make informed choices and behavioral changes to reduce emissions. Secondly, technologies are instrumental in improving fuel supply and distribution efficiency. Technologies facilitate the shift from non-renewable energy like coal to renewable sources like solar energy (Prasad et al., 2009). Thirdly, technologies are needed to enhance the resilience of cities. Through technology, cities can ensure that the planning and design of infrastructure can withstand climatic and natural disaster occurrences. Kennedy & Corfee-Morlot (2013) indicate the need to invest in development of future needs of low carbon climate resilient infrastructure. The technology ensures that the cities' infrastructure can withstand climate change's adverse effects. Lastly, technologies are key in enhancing the weather detection capacities of cities. The effects of clim...