Change Poses Major Risks for Unprepared Cities
A new examination of urban policies has been carried out recently by Patricia Romero Lankao. She is a sociologist specializing in climate change and 1 development. She warns that many of the world’s fast- growing urban areas, especially in developing countries, will likely suffer from the 2 of changing climate. Her work also concludes that most cities are failing to 3 emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These gases are known to affect the atmosphere.
"Climate change is a deeply local issue and poses profound 4 to the growing cities of the world," says Romero Lankao. "But too few cities are developing effective strategies to protect their residents."
Cities are 5 sources of greenhouse gases. And urban populations are likely to be among those most severely affected by future climate change. Lankao’s findings highlight ways in which city-residents are particularly vulnerable, and suggest policy interventions that could offer immediate and longer-term 6
The locations and dense construction patterns of cities often place their populations at greater 7 for natural disasters. Potential threats associated with climate include storm surges and prolonged hot weather. Storm surges can flood coastal areas and prolonged hot weather can heat 8 paved cities more than surrounding areas. The impacts of such natural events can be more 9 in an urban environment. For example, a prolonged heat wave can increase existing levels of air pollution, causing widespread health problems. Poorer neighborhoods that may 10 basic facilities such as drinking water or a dependable network of roads, are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Many residents in poorer countries live in substandard housing. 11 access to reliable drinking water, roads and basic services.
"Local governments, therefore, should take measures to 12 their residents." Unfortunately, they tend to move towards rhetoric 13 meaningful responses, Romero Lankao writes. They don’t impose construction standards that could reduce heating and air conditioning 14 . They don’t emphasize mass transit and reduce automobile use. In fact, many local governments are taking a hands—off approach. 15 , she urges them to change their idle policies and to take strong steps to prevent the harmful effects of climate change on cities.