Cities and Mega Risks: COVID-19 and Climate Change

The book explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have transformed city functions, promoted remote working, and affected socializing, education, learning patterns, recreation, shopping, and entertainment. It discusses the lessons learned from these two mega risks and provides visionary thinking for improving cities from the experiences gained. The book is a valuable resource for planners, professional practitioners, scientists, students, teachers, and researchers working in various fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 341 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have emerged as twin mega risks to cities around the world, presenting significant challenges and opportunities for urban development. This book delves into the profound impact of these crises on city functions, promoting remote working, altering socializing, education, and learning patterns, as well as affecting recreation, shopping, and entertainment. Through comprehensive analysis, it explores the lessons learned from these two mega risks, examines the evolution of urban patterns and functions in their wake, and offers visionary thinking for improving cities based on the experiences gained.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on cities worldwide. It has accelerated the adoption of remote work, transformed urban spaces, and disrupted socializing, education, and learning routines. The pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of cities to health crises and the importance of resilient infrastructure and systems.

Similarly, climate change poses a significant threat to cities. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are causing urban heat islands, flooding, and land degradation. Climate change also exacerbates social and economic inequalities, as vulnerable communities are often the most affected by environmental changes.

To address these twin mega risks, cities need to adopt a holistic and integrated approach. This involves promoting sustainable urban development, improving infrastructure, and enhancing resilience to climate change. It also requires fostering collaboration between different stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and community organizations.

One of the key lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of digital technologies in responding to crises. Cities can use digital tools to monitor and manage public health, improve communication and coordination among stakeholders, and provide access to essential services for vulnerable populations.

Similarly, climate change requires a shift towards low-carbon and sustainable practices. This includes promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and reducing waste and pollution. Cities can also implement green infrastructure, such as parks and green roofs, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve urban biodiversity.

Another important lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of community engagement and participation. Cities can involve residents in decision-making processes, provide access to information and resources, and create spaces for community engagement and collaboration. This can help build trust and resilience among communities and ensure that the benefits of urban development are shared equitably.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have posed significant threats to cities around the world. However, by adopting a holistic and integrated approach, cities can mitigate the impacts of these mega risks and create more sustainable and resilient urban environments. This requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development at all levels of government, the private sector, and community organizations.

Weight: 889g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031140877
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022