an Eldis Resource
Planning climate resilient cities: Early lessons from early adapters
Can climate adaptation lessons be learned from early adapters?
Authors:
J. Carmin; D. Roberts; I. Anguelovski
Publisher:
World Bank Publications, 2009
This paper presents climate adaptation strategies among the early adapters, using Durban, South Africa and Quito, Ecuador as case studies. The paper notes that early adapters were motivated by internal incentives, most notably, the need to protect property and residents from natural disasters, the desire to enhance their reputation by demonstrating climate leadership, and the commitment to local development goals and service provision priorities.
It also notes that the adapters were motivated by ideas, such as the awareness of potential climate impacts, information from international and local networks, and ideas from demonstration projects. It further argues that the presence of resources, particularly leadership, was important in both cities. However, so too was resourcefulness. Efforts to link adaptation to ongoing programs and enlist the support of diverse stakeholders helped promote and sustain adaptation planning.
The paper argues that, although there were similarities in the general types of incentives shaping adaptation planning in both cities, there were differences underlying goals motivating action. In Durban, adaptation was achieved as a means to advance sustainable development and therefore, it was seen as integral to achieving the broader set of goals. For Quito, maintaining a competitive advantage is an important goal. Climate planning was viewed as a way to enhance the city’s reputation in the region as innovative, forward thinking and politically important.
The report concludes that patterns revealed by the cases offer insight into ways that cities can effectively initiate and implement adaptation planning. Specifically, the findings suggest that adaptation efforts will be enhanced if cities:
- develop a general strategic plan that is supported by detailed sector-specific goals and implementation targets
- link adaptation planning and implementation to city priorities and existing initiatives
- obtain or generate information about local risks and locally relevant adaptation measures
- create opportunities for exchanging information, experiences and ideas in local, regional, national and international venues
- establish, endorse and provide resources for a climate office that is not affiliated with a specific department or sector
- engage non-governmental stakeholders, including NGOs, CBOs, consultants and universities in planning and implementation.
