Colombian cities face a stark paradox - emitting just a fraction of global greenhouse gases, yet disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts like extreme weather and energy insecurity, explains Carolina Hernández. Despite minimal contributions, they bear the brunt.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the urban informal sector accounts for the majority of businesses and employment, yet workers face minimal access to formal social protection. Sharon Onyango explores the link between urban informality and social protection, proposing innovative approaches for inclusive economies in African cities.
In the face of escalating climate-related disasters, Ron Harris and Jordana Vasquez from the Resilient Cities Network discuss strategies and tools for building resilient cities.
In response to rapid urbanisation and climate change impacts in Erbil, Iraq, Sinam Hawro Yakoob, highlights how a community-driven initiative has set an ambitious goal of planting one million indigenous oak trees to enhance the city’s environment and its capacity to adapt to climate change.
Abhas Jha brings attention to the urgent heat crisis in South Asian cities, where rising temperatures threaten lives, livelihoods, and the economy while also exploring potential solutions to protect the most vulnerable.
How can vulnerable groups and their needs be integrated into resilience building? URBANET talked to Vera Bukachi from the Kounkuey Design Initiative, who strongly believes that participatory planning and design are key to sustainable urban development.
Rapid and unplanned urbanization has many negative consequences, especially for children and young people. Many children live in urban areas without safe spaces to play, learn, and develop. Frank Mischo explains why city leaders and planners must pay more attention to the needs and rights of urban children.
