Sharon Gil
Moderator
Cities are at the forefront of the global response to climate change, facing the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and forced migration, compounded with climate-driven migration, are driving millions into cities, which are already under increasing climate risks. According to IPCC, by 2050, more than 1 billion people in low-lying cities are expected to face coastal climate hazards, hundreds of millions more in urban areas may face water scarcity due to severe droughts, and 1.6 billion city residents will face extreme heat. This creates a cycle of vulnerability, as those displaced by climate change risk further displacement.
To address these challenges, urgent action is needed to integrate climate resilience and migration considerations into urban planning. This event will highlight city-led initiatives that are increasing urban resilience to climate risks with sustainable and inclusive solutions. It will showcase examples from various cities, such as Douala, Cameroon, where urban ecosystem-based adaptation includes the participation of displaced populations; Thimphu in Bhutan where a new decision making tool is supporting ecosystem-based adaptation in urban settings, and the development of low-income resilient housing; Bogotá, Colombia, where climate initiatives also foster social inclusion; and Cape Town, South Africa.
The event aims at fostering collaboration between local governments, practitioners, and experts to drive positive and inclusive change in climate resilience in urban spaces.
- Provide a platform for cities to share successful strategies and lessons learned, deepening understanding of the link between urban migration, displacement and environmental hazards.
- Inspire supportive actions by national governments and international organizations, including investing in ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, enhancing social services, and building community resilience to create urban environments that can effectively respond to the interconnected challenges of climate change, urbanization and displacement.