Cities Leading Innovative Solutions Towards Climate Resilience in Migration Contexts

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.