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Report: Adapting to New Climate Realities in Cities
Cities Alliance releases the report "Stronger partnerships and local innovations: tackling new climate realities in cities". The publication highlights key lessons from the implementation of community-based climate adaptation initiatives in urban slums.
In 2020, Cities Alliance funded five community-led adaptation projects that addressed challenges for urban development and climate-induced risks in informal settlements.
The initiatives were led by NGOs with strong ties to local communities in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Bangladesh and Myanmar. An additional initiative was supported through our Community Upgrading Fund (CUF) in Liberia. Each of these countries is considered highly vulnerable to climate change. Residents are already experiencing extreme heat events, severe storms, drought and flooding – as well as the loss of economic opportunities.
Despite clear vulnerabilities, urbanization and urban development present opportunities to reduce climate risks and meet long-term climate goals.
Local governments and organized community groups are key actors for effective and sustainable interventions to reduce risks and build resilience in cities. Meanwhile, local civil society and the private sector are also relevant stakeholders and bridge builders, helping to enhance capacities and ensure successful collaboration. Incremental climate adaptation solutions that bring together and draw on the complementary strengths of local governments and communities have a critical role to play.
This report highlights key lessons learned from the implementation of the five projects. It also presents recommendations in support of community-driven climate action in urban areas through citywide infrastructure, policy changes at the municipal and national levels, inclusive development and increased climate adaptation funding.