Cities Are on the Frontline of Climate Change

Sep 20, 2023 | United Nations
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Due to their dense concentrations of people and infrastructure, cities are on the frontline and highly susceptible to escalating damages from climate change. While cities house the majority of the global population and contribute to 80% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), they continuously grapple with issues like rural-urban migration, social exclusion, rising sea levels, and the urban heat island effect.

Globally, the frequency and intensity of climate events, including heatwaves, tornadoes, droughts, floods, and windstorms, are increasing globally. The potential failure of critical infrastructure and disruptions to food and water supplies is extremely concerning. Projections suggest that by 2050, flooding, drought, and coastal erosion will incur nearly 200 billion dollars in annual costs to cities, putting 800 million people across 570 cities at risk from rising seas.

The effects of climate change differ significantly across countries, regions, and over time, and are influenced by a mix of natural and human factors. However, many are unaware that short-term events often have a profound, immediate impact on women’s well-being.

While the ramifications of climate change are widespread, they aren’t evenly distributed. Vulnerability to climate change is amplified by disparities linked to gender, race, economic status, and other socio-economic factors.