This sub-index measures a city’s preparedness for climate change and worsening extreme weather events, as well as the city’s relative exposure to coastal and river flooding, heavy rains, extreme heat and humidity, and cyclones. It also tracks water scarcity as a constraint on industry.
We focus here on cities that face significant climate risks because they offer other major attractions (Dhaka, Chennai, and Chihuahua rank among the top 5% Export Champions, for example) and they underscore the challenges business leaders and policymakers need to address to improve resiliency. In today’s world, no city is immune to climate risk.
How they link to megatrends
Climate change is a driver of urbanization in larger cities, as families from rural regions or smaller cities flee drought-afflicted farms or flooded homes. Such urbanization may worsen risks in larger cities, as new arrivals often live in districts exposed to regular flooding, extreme heat, or water shortages.
Extreme weather will also shape a city’s success in developing as an export champion or commercial hub. Many of Asia’s biggest industrial zones, for example, lie in flood-prone areas or suffer water shortages. True export champions have invested in resiliency, such as flood barriers or water recycling.
Unique features of climate resilient cities
Many climate-challenged cities are in coastal areas and are subject to storm tide flooding. For example, 40% of Jakarta is below sea level, and the city is sinking by four centimeters every year.
Many cities lie along a tropical band north and south of the equator and are especially exposed to rising heat and humidity. Some already suffer excessively high temperatures during the summer months.
Many cities also suffer from water stress, as a rapid pace of development has resulted in competition for water. The countries covered in this report have just 25% of the United States’ per capita water resources.
What might the future look like?
Climate change raises the probability that climate risks will only grow. While industrial parks are expanding, many are subject to flood risks. Many of the cities covered in this report also are among those most exposed to extreme heat. While wealthier cities may learn to adopt, others will struggle, potentially constraining development.
Why does it matter for business?
Global brands and manufacturers will need to carefully consider where they invest in new factories or sign up new suppliers if flood risks ultimately disrupt production. The fact that so many midsized cities are exposed to climate risk will require both disciplined long-term planning and tough choices for policymakers on where to invest scarce capital. If cities are repeatedly prone to flooding or water shortages, economic growth will stagnate as business flee to neighboring competitors and consumers tighten wallets.
1,500 Climate Resilient Cities By Region
Population
<500k
500k-1 million
1-5 million
>5 million
1500 (Low Ranks)
>
(Top Ranks) 1
Asia
Middle East
Latin America
Africa
Country
Rank#
Population
1,500 Climate Resilient Cities By Region
Population
<500k
500k-1 million
1-5 million
>5 million
1500 (Low Ranks)
>
(Top Ranks) 1
Asia
Middle East
Latin America
Africa
Country
Rank#
Population
Climate Resilient City Profiles
