Cities and Climate Action , co- by Luna Khirfan from the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment , spotlights how cities can leverage urban planning and design for climate resilience. Her contributions to chapter 5 map solutions for climate action.
"With smart, climate-focused urban planning, cities can protect lives, reduce emissions, and create healthier environments " Khirfan says. " This report highlights real pathways - from increasing urban green spaces retrofitting urban spaces protect vulnerable populations - make cities more resilient, sustainable equitable."
The report urges cities to invest in nature-based solutions, like expanding nature in the city and strengthening defenses against floods. Specifically, Khirfan recommends incorporating climate action into urban planning and design frameworks with localized solutions , which should be more feasible today thanks t’availability of ational u rban p olicies, new building codes zoning.
However, the authors point out that various technical, financial and institutional barriers currently prevent many of these solutions from being enacted. T he right political will is needed at both the national and local level. It then needs to be complemented by adequate expertise cities can work with communities, businesses and other stakeholders to mote c limate-resilient urban communities that benefi t’idents.
T he report i dentifie s the urgent need for a people-centered approach, one where climate action addresses the vulnerabilities of urban populations while promoting nature-based solutions. It frames climate action around four critical issues: the global urgency of the climate threat, the unique role of cities, the need for inclusive and effective action and a just climate transition to ensure equitable outcomes.
Responding to climate change with purpose-driven research is core to Waterloo’s mission, outlined Waterloo at 100 . Khirfan is one of many exce ptional researchers in the Waterloo community a e social, nomic d geopolitical changes required to ensure a prosperous future for humanity and planet.
"I hope the report will inspire cities and local governments to integrate climate action into urban planning that is inclusive and transformative so that cities can take the lead in mitigating climate change while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations," Khirfan shar.
