This is an official side-event of the 12th World Urban Forum.
Date: Friday 8 November 2024
Time: 09:00-10:30 EEST
Location: Voice From Cities Room A in the Egypt International Exhibition Center, El-Moshir Tantawy Axis, Al Hay Al Asher, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate 4440301, Egypt
Organizers
- Watershed Task Group, Cameroon
- The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Description
Cities are at the forefront of the global response to climate change, facing the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and forced migration, compounded with climate-driven migration, are driving millions into cities, which are already under increasing climate risks. According to IPCC, by 2050, more than 1 billion people in low-lying cities are expected to face coastal climate hazards, hundreds of millions more in urban areas may face water scarcity due to severe droughts, and 1.6 billion city residents will face extreme heat. This creates a cycle of vulnerability, as those displaced by climate change risk further displacement.
To address these challenges, urgent action is needed to integrate climate resilience and migration considerations into urban planning. This event will highlight city-led initiatives that are increasing urban resilience to climate risks with sustainable and inclusive solutions. It will showcase examples from various cities, such as Douala, Cameroon, where urban ecosystem-based adaptation includes the participation of displaced populations; Thimphu in Bhutan where a new decision making tool is supporting ecosystem-based adaptation in urban settings, and the development of low-income resilient housing; Bogotá, Colombia, where climate initiatives also foster social inclusion; and Paris, France, where urban planning incorporates evidence-based approaches to address future climate and migration trends, and build the resilience of its inhabitants through inclusive adaptation strategies.
By presenting these initiatives, the event aims to foster collaboration between local governments, practitioners, and experts to drive positive change in climate resilience in urban spaces. It also seeks to inspire supportive actions by national governments and international organizations, including investing in ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, enhancing social services, and building community resilience to create urban environments that can effectively respond to the interconnected challenges of climate change, urbanization, and improving the well-being of urban dwellers.
The event will provide a platform for cities to share successful strategies and lessons learned, deepening understanding of the link between rural-urban migration and environmental hazards and exchanging innovative urban planning methodologies to inspire replication and collaboration across different contexts.
