Throughout 2022, climate change had a dramatic impact on our planet and populations, from catastrophic floods in Pakistan to record-breaking droughts in South Asia. These are just a few examples of the climate impacts we are suffering at only 1.15°C above pre-industrial temperatures. However, as climate science clearly demonstrates, based on current policies, we are heading for much higher temperatures with a 2.8°C rise predicted by the end of the century. The worst is yet to come.
While mitigation is crucial to limit further warming, ambitious and accelerated action is urgently needed to adapt to climate change impacts through a Race to Resilience.
Published by Arup, in collaboration with Civic Exchange, the Institution of Civil Engineers Hong Kong, the Resilient Cities Network and the World Resources Institute, this paper seeks to honour scientific findings, formulate appropriate policies and strategies, and facilitate capacity building. It discusses key insights around resilience from various angles and includes the following:
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Highlights of the latest climate change insights, referring to the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Report.
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Elaborations on outcomes of COP27 (the 27th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference), convened in November 2022 in Egypt, and putting them in an Asian context.
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Summaries of expert presentations and discussions that were part of the Race to Resilience Asia event series hosted across the region in the run-up to COP27.
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Perspectives from various experts on the way forward, suggesting several approaches and frameworks to address climate change in the built environment.
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Useful resources containing additional information, insights and strategies.
While the themes and context from related events, discussions and publications vary, one overall message is clear: both the challenges and solutions to achieving climate mitigation and adaptation lie within our cities.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders to share experiences and approaches, as well as to identify the need to empower local and regional state and non-state actors, we can create more sustainable, resilient and liveable cities, both now and in the future.