Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part discusses how leadership in developing nations where governments are ill-equipped to deal with climate change can come from the private sector. It focuses on the need to make climate change more visible in the local landscape as a catalyst for action. The part explores using markers to show higher sea level rise and tides along publically accessible coastal areas, such as parks and boardwalks. It also discusses a more balanced approach is needed whereby strategies to mitigate climate change, such as preserving more green space in urban areas, are balanced with higher density urban form that is low-carbon and less car dependent. The part describes the United States where climate change planning policies at the state and national level are weak or non-existent, cities and urban regions have found themselves addressing this issue with a range of creative and innovative solutions.