Adaptation to climate change in rapidly growing cities

This chapter reflects on the challenges and opportunities for climate change adaptation (CCA) in rapidly growing cities. These cities are particularly important in the discussion of adaptation to climate change, since this is where a significant part of future urban growth will take place (Martine et al., 2007; Seto et al., 2010; UN-HABITAT, 2013)—primarily in Asia (mostly in China and India), Africa and to a lesser extent, in Latin America (Seto et al., 2010). Rapidly growing cities face significant challenges and development pressures that create obstacles for adaptation, but at the same time, offer unique opportunities to introduce adaptation strategies and actions with significant benefits for their inhabitants in the short-, medium- and long-term. Timing is an essential factor, as the dynamic growth of these cities creates a limited timeframe to develop adaptation strategies and actions at an affordable cost. Delays or inaction can result in high social, economic and environmental costs to urban inhabitants.