Today, as the COP28 focus shifts to food, agriculture and water, we look at how cities can improve climate resilience by tackling floods and droughts and exploring the valuable insights mayors can bring to shaping national and international climate policy.
Urban areas, home to more than half of the world’s population, face daily water-related challenges—Floods, droughts and water scarcity-Which 90% are attributed to extreme weather events and the resulting disasters. Vulnerable communities bear the brunt; C40 cities in low- and middle-income countries Ten times more More vulnerable to floods and droughts than high-income countries.
Mayors recognize the scale of this challenge and are united in action to protect their communities and the environment. What mayors and sub-national leaders are doing to meet local, national and global climate goals is important. Although C40 cities are making a difference, addressing climate challenges requires national and global cooperation.
Local action, significant impact
Cities in the C40 network demonstrate that strong local leadership can save lives and build communities resilient to floods and droughts.
RotterdamIt uses 'green’ and 'blue’ roofs to increase rainwater absorption, reduce water treatment costs, reduce air pollution and increase biodiversity, combating flood risk due to high urban population density and lack of ground-level absorbent surfaces.
Rio de Janeiro An emergency protocol is in place to reduce the impact of flood events on low-income communities. Using SMS (text) alerts and sirens to direct city dwellers to pre-built shelters, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting local populations.
Phoenix and Tucson established the Phoenix-Tucson Water Partnership to prepare for future water shortages. This joint effort allows both cities to secure water supplies, collaborative leadership and strategic cost-savings methods to help keep residents safe and healthy during droughts.
TokyoThe Metropolitan Government of India manages online Flood Hazard Map Covering 14 zones across the city, detailing the possibility of flooding due to heavy rains. Residents can check the predicted flood severity and flood depth. Municipal status Flood hazard maps Evacuation sites are also available through an online tool.
These city actions highlight how mayors provide invaluable experience and expertise in local implementation that can be incorporated into national and international climate policy.
Accelerating water-safe cities and stimulating global ambition
Pursuing global ambitions, 17 cities joined Recently the C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator was launched. The accelerator is a commitment by cities to implement policies to address flood and drought risk by 2030. Improving the resilience of cities by 2030. Cities joining the accelerator include Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Freetown, Jakarta, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Milan, New Orleans, New York City. , Oslo, Phoenix, Quezon City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Rotterdam, Tokyo and Tshwane.
As COP28’s Food, Agriculture and Water Day unfolds, City leaders are willing to cooperate with national governments Setting targets and implementing climate policies, unlocking resources and accelerating progress in key sectors including buildings, transport, waste and water. At COP28 and beyond, let’s work together to create a prosperous future for everyone, everywhere.
. „Gracz. Namiętny pionier w mediach społecznościowych. Wielokrotnie nagradzany miłośnik muzyki. Rozrabiacz”.