Introduction to Urban Climate Adaptation
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Urban Climate Adaptation Planning course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Adaptation #
The process of adjusting to actual or expected climate and its effects. In the context of urban climate adaptation, it refers to the changes made to urban systems, including infrastructure, institutions, and social systems, to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.
Adaptive capacity #
The ability of a system, community, or society to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.
Climate change #
A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define local, regional, and global climates. These changes include increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, and increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Climate hazard #
A extreme weather event or long-term change in climate that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. Examples include heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms.
Climate risk #
The potential for adverse effects on human health, the environment, economy, or society resulting from climate hazards.
Climate vulnerability #
The degree to which a system, community, or society is likely to be negatively affected by climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is determined by a combination of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.
Extreme weather events #
Events that are rare at a particular place and time, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms.
Exposure #
The degree to which a system, community, or society is exposed to climate hazards.
Green infrastructure #
Natural or semi-natural systems, such as parks, green roofs, and wetlands, that provide a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits, including climate change adaptation.
Heatwave #
A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity.
Mitigation #
The process of reducing the causes of climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sinks.
Sensitivity #
The degree to which a system, community, or society is affected, either positively or negatively, by climate hazards.
Urban climate #
The climate of cities and urban areas, which is influenced by the built environment and human activities. Urban climates are typically warmer and more humid than surrounding rural areas, due to the heat island effect.
Urban heat island #
An urban area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas, due to the absorption and re-radiation of heat by buildings, pavement, and other urban surfaces.
Urban planning #
The process of designing and managing the built environment, including land use, transportation, and infrastructure, to promote sustainable and livable cities.
Vulnerability assessment #
An analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on a system, community, or society, including the identification of vulnerable populations and areas.
Examples: #
Examples:
* A city may be vulnerable to heatwaves due to its high population density, lack… #
A vulnerability assessment would identify these factors and recommend adaptation measures, such as increasing the number of green spaces, improving building insulation, and upgrading the electrical grid.
* A coastal community may be vulnerable to sea level rise due to its low #
lying topography and high dependence on tourism. A vulnerability assessment would identify these factors and recommend adaptation measures, such as building sea walls, elevating homes, and diversifying the local economy.
Practical applications: #
Practical applications:
* Urban planners can use vulnerability assessments to identify areas and populat… #
* Urban planners can use vulnerability assessments to identify areas and populations that are most at risk from climate change, and design adaptation measures to reduce those risks.
* Engineers can use climate projections to design infrastructure that is resilie… #
* Engineers can use climate projections to design infrastructure that is resilient to future climate conditions, such as sea level rise, increased precipitation, and more frequent heatwaves.
* Public health officials can use climate projections to plan for and respond to… #
* Public health officials can use climate projections to plan for and respond to climate-related health risks, such as heat-related illness and waterborne diseases.
Challenges: #
Challenges:
* Climate change adaptation is a complex and multi #
disciplinary field, requiring collaboration between urban planners, engineers, public health officials, and other stakeholders.
* Climate change adaptation measures can be costly, and there may be competing p… #
* Climate change adaptation measures can be costly, and there may be competing priorities for limited resources.
* Climate change adaptation measures often require changes to existing policies,… #
* Climate change adaptation measures often require changes to existing policies, regulations, and practices, which can be difficult to implement.
* Climate change adaptation measures may have unintended consequences, such as i… #
* Climate change adaptation measures may have unintended consequences, such as increasing inequality or displacing communities.
In summary, adaptation is the process of adjusting to actual or expected climate… #
In the context of urban climate adaptation, it refers to the changes made to urban systems, including infrastructure, institutions, and social systems, to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and take advantage of any opportunities that may arise. Adaptive capacity, climate change, climate hazard, climate risk, climate vulnerability, exposure, sensitivity, green infrastructure, heatwave, mitigation, urban climate, urban heat island, urban planning, vulnerability assessment are the key concept and terms related to the course Professional Certificate in Urban Climate Adaptation Planning. Understanding these terms and concepts is crucial for urban planners, engineers, public health officials, and other stakeholders to design and implement effective adaptation measures.