Cities are major sources of emissions from both direct and indirect fossil fuel usage across sectors and are themselves vulnerable to the effects of climate change. There are many impacts of climate change on cities such as on health, infrastructure and energy. Some groups of society and the Global South overall are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Gender inequality heightens the impact of climate change on women, particularly in developing regions with significant socio-economic vulnerabilities. Women's critical roles in climate mitigation, such as sustainable agriculture and resource management, are often undervalued due to systemic gender inequalities. Incorporating gender perspectives into climate policies is crucial for enhancing mitigation effectiveness and achieving equitable outcomes.
Environmental education is essential for building a sustainable future, as it empowers individuals and communities to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. By integrating practical skills and fostering a sense of agency, it promotes active citizenship and sustainable practices, such as conservation and resource management. Inclusive and equitable environmental education ensures that marginalized groups, who are often most vulnerable to climate change, are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance resilience and drive long-term environmental stewardship.
Maladaptation is failed adaptation that increases vulnerability instead of reducing it. Seawalls and urban greening are examples of adaptive measures that have a risk of being maladaptive. Maladaptation can be prevented by focusing on holistic and inclusive long-term solutions
There are multiple categories of drought; agricultural, meteorological, hydrological and socioeconomic. Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of drought. In Somalia droughts have caused an estimated 43?,000 more deaths compared with the mortality levels in 2015–2016.
As climate impacts worsen, managed retreat may be inevitable in some cases. Managed retreat in the US is centered around flood hazards and most cases occur in the eastern half of the US. Such programs may worsen social inequity if justice considerations are not taken into account.
The Global Covenant of Mayors is the largest alliance for city climate action leadership representing over 1 billion citizens.The GCoM cities and local governments could reduce global emissions by 1.9 GtCO2e annually in 2030, compared to a business-as-usual trajectory, and by 76.5 GtCO2e in 2050.Greater financial investment in city climate actions is needed especially for adaptation activities; implementation of all actions could generate 11 million new jobs worldwide.
Only 18 % of appointed ministers worldwide are women. The vulnerability of women to the climate crisis is not only environmental but it is also rooted in its intersection with socio-economic and cultural factors, as well as lack of gendered policy. The inclusion of women in decision making and climate related policies is vital to combating women’s vulnerability to the climate crisis.