Cities Worldwide Lack Resilience to Climate Change, Reveals Resilient Cities Index 2023
Cities around the world are facing significant challenges in their ability to combat the impacts of climate change, according to the recently released Resilient Cities Index 2023. The index, developed by Economist Impact and sponsored by Tokio Marine Group, assesses 25 global cities on their capacity to withstand and recover from shocks and long-term stresses in four key areas: critical infrastructure, environment, socio-institutional, and economic resilience.
The index findings reveal that both cities in emerging economies and wealthy countries are ill-equipped to handle the future shocks associated with climate change. Droughts, floods, extreme heat, and rising sea levels pose serious threats to cities in emerging economies, while even the wealthiest cities lack the necessary infrastructure and policies to mitigate these risks effectively.
The vulnerability of urban centers to natural disasters and extreme weather has gained extra significance as global leaders meet this month at COP28 in Dubai to discuss climate action. The Resilient Cities Index 2023 serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to strengthen cities’ defenses against these impacts, from mass migration to deepening inequality.
The index also highlights specific challenges faced by certain cities. Dhaka and New Delhi, for example, rank as the least resilient cities when it comes to air pollution, which claims the lives of 7 million people worldwide annually. Addressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions together is essential, yet both cities struggle with congestion management and lack city-level net zero targets or plans.
On the other hand, Melbourne, New York City, and Los Angeles, representing some of the wealthiest cities in the index, lead in environmental resilience. However, the index reveals that the cities least able to withstand the most severe effects of climate change are often the ones with the least financial resources to do so.
While cities worldwide recognize the need to build resilience in the face of growing uncertainties, turning intentions into action remains a significant challenge. The report stresses the importance of empowering communities, promoting social cohesion efforts, and supporting innovation as key factors in building resilient cities.
The Resilient Cities Index 2023 was launched at an event in London hosted by Tokio Marine Group, with the key findings presented by Jonathan Birdwell, global head of policy & insights at Economist Impact. Birdwell emphasized that the assumption that wealthier cities are safer from shocks is disproven by the index, showing that even the most developed cities are vulnerable to various risks.
Katrin Bruebach, global director of programs and delivery at Resilient Cities Network, added that resilience strategies should involve various stakeholders, including community representatives and vulnerable populations. Listening to the voices of those most affected by shocks and stresses is crucial.
The Resilient Cities Index is a global benchmarking tool that measures cities’ resilience, based on their ability to predict, adapt to, and recover from environmental, economic, social, and climate changes. It assesses 25 cities across four pillars, utilizing quantitative and qualitative indicators. The ultimate goal is to help cities not only survive but thrive in the face of challenges.
Tokio Marine Group, one of the world’s largest and oldest insurance groups, sponsored the Resilient Cities Index to promote research into societal and urban resilience. The index aims to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities, enabling policymakers, city planners, and communities to develop targeted strategies.
As cities continue to grapple with the complexities of climate change, the Resilient Cities Index 2023 serves as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to take decisive action and build resilient cities that can thrive amidst challenges.
