Asia’s wealth hubs are mostly coastal cities. But whether they can continue to thrive and prosper is increasingly uncertain with rising temperatures and sea-levels.
“Are [these cities] better prepared for what is in store at 2°C of climate change? I don’t think so, they are not prepared even for today,” said Saurabh Gaidhani, Asia Pacific head and programmes lead at global governance group Resilient Cities Network.
The world is today already 1.3°C hotter than pre-industrial times. If left unchecked, temperatures could rise to almost 3°C this century. Dense cities are likely to heat up even further because of their heavy use of heat-trapping metals and concrete.
Meanwhile, fast-growing Asian cities often have limited capacity to deal with the rapid changes and risks that global warming brings. Infrastructure and financing are topline issues. The region also needs more policymakers adept in tackling complex environmental challenges, and a better way of working with local groups to ensure everyone’s needs are met, experts told Eco-Business.
This video on protecting Asia’s coastal cities explores the key pillars of urban adaptation in the region. It aims to point the way forward for seaside cities to better defend lives and livelihoods against increasingly severe climate risks.
If you enjoyed the video and want to learn more about climate adaptation, read the full report here.
