Most cities confronting major climate change hazards
Four out of five cities are facing significant climate hazards, including extreme heat and floods, which are threatening most of their populations, according to the latest data.
For its report Protecting People and the Planet: Putting people at the heart of climate action, CDP, a charity specialising in environmental reporting, looked at 998 cities across the globe and found that 80% face major climate hazards, with 25% expecting to contend with more intense and frequent threats by 2025. A third admit that climate hazards threaten nearly three quarters of their inhabitants.
Extreme heart is the main threat, felt by 46% of cities, followed by heavy rainfall in 36%, drought in 35% and flooding in 33%. Cities report the elderly, low-income households, children and marginalised or minority communities as being most at risk.
However, 63% of cities are taking “people centred” climate action, including reporting data, science-based targets, and mitigation and adaptation plans. More than 80% of cities taking such action report better air quality, improved public and mental health, and increased food and water security, as well as reduced costs for businesses, greater commercial innovation and higher productivity. Such cities are also five times more likely to secure job creation as a benefit.
“Putting people at the heart of climate action, from planning to implementation, improves lives,” said Maia Kutner, CDP’s interim global director for cities, states and regions. “It unlocks social, economic and environmental benefits, enhances equity and inclusion, and ensures a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
“Cities that identify vulnerable groups, engage with them, and understand their needs to deliver just adaptation strategies see the clear benefits and create a sustainable future for people and the planet.”