Climate Change & Resilience

Improving Thermal Comfort in Community Buildings in India’s Informal Settlements

Energy in Cities

Improving Thermal Comfort in Community Buildings in India’s Informal Settlements

By URBANET|2023-04-12T15:57:40+02:00April 11th 2023|

India has a long tradition of building climate-friendly houses. But in the case of informal settlements, applying this knowledge presents many difficulties. This leads to intense heat stress for residents. However, there is hope on the horizon, as we highlight an exciting initiative: utilising innovative design solutions for thermal comfort in community buildings in Chennai and Coimbatore - an Urban Living Lab approach.

Powering Africa’s Future: Leading the Energy Transition with Covenant of Mayors (CoM SSA)

Energy in Cities

Powering Africa’s Future: Leading the Energy Transition with Covenant of Mayors (CoM SSA)

By Martin Baltes|2023-04-04T12:52:23+02:00April 4th 2023|

CoM SSA supports cities to access clean and resilient energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs and boost employment. The best part: these cities do not need their own investment.

Building Resilience in Bangladesh’s Informal Settlements

Just Transition

Building Resilience in Bangladesh’s Informal Settlements

By URBANET|2023-07-18T11:58:36+02:00February 21st 2023|

The impacts of climate change are heavily felt by urban dwellers in Bangladesh – especially in the informal settlements of fast-growing cities. The ERUP project aims to provide solutions that will enable communities to build resilience against the negative effects of climate change.

A Green Urban Oasis for Los Cabos, Mexico

Just Transition

A Green Urban Oasis for Los Cabos, Mexico

By URBANET|2023-02-27T18:01:58+01:00February 14th 2023|

A neglected park turns into a green oasis. Over 200 residents are joining in to stop soil erosion, absorb rainwater, and turn their park into a place for encounter and environmental education.

Let the Sun Shine on Ukraine – How Solar Power Accelerates the Green Reconstruction of Cities

Just Transition

Let the Sun Shine on Ukraine – How Solar Power Accelerates the Green Reconstruction of Cities

By Vladlena Martsynkevych|2023-01-17T10:13:37+01:00January 17th 2023|

Solar energy solutions need to be scaled up to address electricity shortages in both emergency and mid-term responses to the crisis in Ukraine. Vladlena Martsynkevych is convinced: Ukraine is ready for a better, greener future.

Collective Action for Flood Resilience: How Blue-Green Infrastructure Leads to New Solutions in Kampala

Just Transition

Collective Action for Flood Resilience: How Blue-Green Infrastructure Leads to New Solutions in Kampala

By Peter Mwambu and Simon Akena|2023-01-10T11:41:48+01:00January 10th 2023|

Effective flood control can only be met with a holistic approach. Peter Mwambu and Simon Akena invite us to Kampala in Uganda and discuss lessons learned from integrating Blue-Green Infrastructure.

Nature-Based Solutions in Quito: From Flooding Issues to a River of Positive Change

Nature-based Solutions

Nature-Based Solutions in Quito: From Flooding Issues to a River of Positive Change

By Mark Douglas Wessel|2022-12-20T17:20:20+01:00December 20th 2022|

Quito bears the brunt of climate change, from 100-year storms to mudslides to heat waves – all part of the city’s ‘new normal.’ Urban journalist Mark Douglas Wessel explores how Ecuador’s capital is leveraging the power of Nature-based Solutions to cope with these challenges.

Building with Nature in Urban Contexts – Chances and Challenges of Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based Solutions

Building with Nature in Urban Contexts – Chances and Challenges of Nature-based Solutions

By E. van Eekelen, M. Bouw, R. Brolsma, and H. Wieringa|2023-02-20T14:29:33+01:00December 15th 2022|

With more than half of the global population living in urban areas, cities need new solutions to tackle climate-related challenges. Erik van Eekelen, Matthijs Bouw, Reinder Brolsma and Harro Wieringa on the approach of Building with Nature.

Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions Towards Urban Climate Resilience – A Green Infrastructure Master Plan for Udon Thani in Thailand

Nature-based Solutions

Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions Towards Urban Climate Resilience – A Green Infrastructure Master Plan for Udon Thani in Thailand

By Ignacio Ortinez and Guillermo Mendoza|2022-12-20T09:01:18+01:00December 13th 2022|

Mainstreaming green infrastructure could serve as a pathway to strengthen urban resilience to climate change. Ignacio Ortinez and Guillermo Mendoza on new approaches using nature-based solutions.

Nature Will Guide You: Co-Creating Nature-Based Solutions in European Coastal Cities

Nature-based Solutions

Nature Will Guide You: Co-Creating Nature-Based Solutions in European Coastal Cities

By Laura Quadros Aniche and Rochelle Caruso|2022-12-08T11:09:57+01:00December 8th 2022|

Nature provides us with built-in solutions to some of the most pressing global issues. Laura Quadros Aniche and Rochelle Caruso discuss what Nature-Based Solutions involve and present an innovative project with partners in 12 different countries across Europe.

Urban Forestry – How Innovative Approaches Can Help Reach the SDGs

Nature-based Solutions

Urban Forestry – How Innovative Approaches Can Help Reach the SDGs

By Florencia Florido|2022-12-08T11:11:31+01:00December 6th 2022|

Urban Forestry can help meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – if its challenges are addressed the right way. Florencia Florido on a new report discussing inventive paths to implement Urban Forestry within European cities.

The Mask of Tradition – The Influence of Modernity on Traditional Indian Architecture

Cities built4climate

The Mask of Tradition – The Influence of Modernity on Traditional Indian Architecture

By Farha Shermin and Mainak Gosh|2022-12-05T14:40:02+01:00December 1st 2022|

Traditional architecture is crucial in adapting to geographical conditions. However, modern materials have become a more popular choice for the masses. According to Farha Shermin and Mainak Gosh, lacking a thorough understanding of both types has led to a confusing typology.

Island States of the Global South and the Challenge of Building Urban Climate Resilience

Cities built4climate

Island States of the Global South and the Challenge of Building Urban Climate Resilience

By Stephania Constantinou|2022-11-24T11:28:33+01:00November 24th 2022|

Stephania Constantinou lays focus on island and small island developing states and their task of developing climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard their existence.

Applying Ancestral Lessons to Contemporary Realities – A Return to Ghana’s Architectural Heritage

Cities built4climate

Applying Ancestral Lessons to Contemporary Realities – A Return to Ghana’s Architectural Heritage

By Kweku Addo-Atuah|2022-11-18T17:54:32+01:00November 15th 2022|

Breathing new life into city architecture through native materials and construction techniques will catalyse lasting change and adaptability amidst unpredictable climate change-related incidences. Kweku Addo-Atuah on a return to Ghana's architectural heritage.

Needing No Less Than a Revolution – Building For a Sustainable Future Climate

COP27

Needing No Less Than a Revolution – Building For a Sustainable Future Climate

By Donovan Storey & Etta Madete Mukuba|2022-11-10T13:56:23+01:00November 8th 2022|

To get cities back on track to avoid building towards a climate crisis, actions must start today. Donovan Storey and Etta Madete Mukuba on sustainable design principles, alternative building materials, and technologies.