Urban populations are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events related to climate change, especially heat waves and floods. This vulnerability is caused by a combination of factors including existing inequalities, high population growth, and high exposure to certain types of environmental hazards. As cities emerge from smaller settlements and nearby adjacent cities, little design goes into ensuring that they are established in appropriate locations, that new infrastructure is adequately resilient to current and future extreme weather events, and that governance systems and growth take into account the specific needs of marginalised groups. Instead, urban development often appears chaotic and unplanned, locking citizens, particularly those who are most marginalised, into high states of vulnerability.
If we could influence how burgeoning settlements turn into cities and megacities at the start of their growth trajectory, even marginally, the positive repercussions for resilience and wellbeing would be colossal. But just how and where do new cities emerge, and what are the opportunities for influencing their design while they expand to be resilient to extreme weather in a changing climate?
U-RES examines the current state of urbanisation in Africa and how this aligns with the projected increasing risks from climate change. This is done through remote sensing and GIS analysis techniques to assess changes in land-cover. In addition, model simulations used by the IPCC to project climate change are analysed for two risk-related climatic indices, one around heat waves and one around heavy rainfall (a driver of flood risk). U-RES will conduct case studies of urban governance around Durban South Africa, and in Isiolo Kenya. These case studies will provide on-the-ground understanding into how information is gathered and used by decision makers, and provide insights into how this can be modified to better take into account the needs of marginalised groups.
PROJECT DIRECTORS
Tyndall Centre, University of East Anglia
RESEARCH PARTNERS
– School of International Development, University of East Anglia, UK
– Ethekwini Municipality, South Africa
– Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
– University of Nairobi, Kenya
– Oxfam, UK
– BuroHappold Engineering Consultancy
