Here's how you can prepare urban planners for the impact of climate change on cities.
Climate change poses a significant challenge to cities worldwide, and urban planners are at the forefront of crafting resilient urban landscapes. As extreme weather events become more frequent and sea levels rise, it's crucial to equip planners with the tools and knowledge to mitigate these impacts. Understanding the intersection of urban planning and climate change can lead to innovative solutions that ensure the sustainability and livability of cities in the face of environmental uncertainty.
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Nadine Bitar Chahine| MENA Cities| Urban Policy | Cities Futures | Urban Planning | SDG localisation | Local Development | Positive…
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Waldir ContrerasArchitect | International Master in Urbanism
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John Zakian, CEcDFederal Grant and Long Term Disaster Recovery Subject Matter Expert Focused on Economic, Housing and Infrastructure…
Urban planners must stay abreast of the latest climate science and resilience strategies. A thorough education that integrates climate change into the urban planning curriculum is essential. Courses should cover topics like sustainable design, disaster risk management, and environmental policy. By understanding the science behind climate change, planners can make informed decisions that contribute to the development of cities that are not only functional but also adaptable to changing climatic conditions.
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Los planificadores urbanos deben estar continuamente educándose sobre las últimas investigaciones y estrategias en torno al cambio climático. Es esencial realizar análisis de vulnerabilidad para identificar áreas susceptibles a los efectos del cambio climático, como inundaciones y olas de calor. La infraestructura resiliente es clave; diseñar y construir con la capacidad de resistir eventos climáticos extremos y adaptarse a condiciones cambiantes es fundamental. Esto puede abarcar desde sistemas de drenaje mejorados hasta edificios energéticamente eficientes y espacios verdes urbanos que mitiguen el calor y las inundaciones.
Incorporating climate change considerations into urban policy is crucial. Planners should be well-versed in creating and implementing policies that prioritize sustainability and resilience. This includes developing zoning laws that account for flood risks, building codes that require energy-efficient designs, and transportation plans that promote low-carbon mobility options. Policies should be flexible to adapt to new climate data, ensuring cities remain safe and habitable for future generations.
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Cities need to develop Climate Budgets that aligns with a Climate strategy in order to make sure that integrated solutions are working in tandem with sustainability programs and that an intersectoral approach that is cross function is maintained throughout. Tackling Climate Change in cities needs to avoid urban policy piecemeal approach as this can cause budgetary inefficiencies and in some aspects can lead to divergent outcome. A strategic managment perspective to tackling both climate adaptation and mitigation in cities proves to be more effective and efficient and may open opportunities for urban innovation and strategic partnerships
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Creio que a maioria dos urbanistas sabem o que é necessário para mitigar os impactos do clima, porém seu projetos principalmente aqueles feitos para instituições governamentais, esbaram em interesses econômicos e muitas vezes propostas que poderiam melhorar a qualidade de vida é tratada como gastos supérfluos e não como investimento em obras de mitigação dos efeitos do aquecimento global. Políticas integradas com verbas federais, estaduais e municipais com objetivos comuns poderiam ser criadas na direção da recuperação das áreas permeáveis principalmente junto as várzeas dos cursos d'água em áreas erroneamente ocupadas.
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Les Plans Climat Air Energie Territoriaux (PCAET) intègrent souvent un maximum de données utiles, en plus des actions (souvent limitées) avec lesquelles les documents d'urbanisme doivent être compatibles. En l'absence de PCAET, s'intéresser aux SCoTs qui étoffent leurs volets climatiques en conséquence. En l'absence des 2, il peut s'agir d'une prestation supplémentaire à demander en amont des documents de planification. Il est probable qu'un ou plusieurs territoires et/ou acteurs du périmètre urbanistique concerné aient déjà des informations et/ou des plans ainsi que des actions programmés ou effectués : aller les consulter peut faire gagner énormément de temps car ils ont déjà fait le travail de recherche à compléter s'il est sectoriel.
Engaging with the community is vital in developing climate-resilient cities. Urban planners should facilitate dialogues with residents, businesses, and local organizations to understand their concerns and insights. This collaboration can lead to tailored solutions that address specific community needs while also educating the public about climate change impacts. Inclusive planning processes help build a sense of ownership and support for sustainable initiatives among community members.
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There is the reality that discussion involving climate change is often politically charged resulting in distraction, mis-direction, and delays in advancing planning as well as actual project implementation. This means that interaction with all those to be affected by a planning effort needs to commence prior to the start of the planning and be as open and transparent as possible. In such forums it is better to focus on what fact and science substantiate as reality rather than float concepts embracing the concerns around climate change. This means connect the planning effort to specifics in what is to be addressed and be open to accepting pushback and questions responding with fact and not hyperbole in answers and explanations.
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Passer par les réseaux déjà constitués (associations, élus, groupements d'entreprises) est efficace pour maximiser l'impact. Il est important de ne pas se décourager avec les personnes insensibles au climat et de se concentrer sur celles susceptibles d'agir en montrant l'exemple : il y a davantage de chances que les autres suivent ensuite.
Green infrastructure is a key component of climate-resilient urban planning. Planners should advocate for and design urban spaces that incorporate natural elements like parks, green roofs, and rain gardens. These features not only enhance the city's aesthetic but also provide practical benefits like reducing heat islands, managing stormwater, and improving air quality. By integrating nature into the urban fabric, planners can create healthier environments for residents while combating climate change effects.
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Enlever le béton et le bitume pour végétaliser est souvent aux antipodes des travaux urbanistiques habituels (et reste largement un impensé dans le milieu) mais cela sera nécessaire dans toutes les grandes villes et la plupart des zones urbaines qui génèrent déjà des ilots de chaleur. Arrêter l'étalement urbain est également un impératif sans lequel les quelques mesures positives seront noyées sous les nouveaux impacts négatifs générés sur un même territoire.
Technology plays a pivotal role in preparing for climate change. Urban planners should leverage data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and simulation models to predict climate impacts and plan accordingly. These tools can help identify vulnerable areas, optimize resource distribution, and monitor environmental changes over time. By embracing technology, planners can enhance their decision-making process and develop more effective strategies for urban resilience.
The field of urban planning is ever-evolving, especially with the ongoing threat of climate change. Planners should commit to lifelong learning to stay current with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies. Attending workshops, conferences, and professional development courses can provide insights into innovative approaches to climate-resilient planning. Ongoing education ensures that planners remain equipped to guide cities through the challenges posed by a changing climate.
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