Cities are Unprepared for Climate Change

Half of the world's population lives in cities, and that proportion is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. With their large populations and infrastructure that is vulnerable to floods and other extreme weather, many of the world’s cities are unprepared for climate change.

The report, “Urban Pulse: Identifying Resilience Solutions at the Intersection of Climate, Health, and Equity,” is based on a survey of nearly 200 city leaders in 118 cities and 52 countries about their preparedness for responding to climate-related health threats. Less than half of the cities reported having a climate resilience plan, and only one in four indicated that their plan addressed climate and health. The research was funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, which also said that it will invest more than $1 million to help cities implement the report’s recommendations.