Millions at risk as hundreds of cities fail to adapt to climate change, report says
- Analysis of 800 cities found almost half do not yet have a climate plan
- Top hazards include flooding, heatwaves, rainstorms and droughts
Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world.
Fast-expanding urban areas are home to more than half the population of the planet and are increasingly exposed to climate-fuelled disasters, economic shocks and health crises as the world warms, with fears that vulnerable communities will be hardest hit.
CDP, a global non-profit that collects data disclosed by companies, cities, states and regions on environmental impact, analysed over 800 global cities and found that 43 per cent do not yet have a plan to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
With more people drawn to live in urban areas, CDP estimated that by 2030 around 400 million people will be living in poorly prepared cities.
“The urgent need to act and have adaptation measures in place to keep the citizens safe, is increasing together with (the growing urban population),” said Mirjam Wolfrum, CDP’s Policy Director for Europe.
