The AR5 conceptualised cities and settlements as complex interdependent systems that could be engaged in supporting climate change adaptation . Effective municipal governance systems and cooperative multi-level governance supported adaptation action. The AR5 report expressed medium confidence that governance interventions can help develop synergies across geographical and institutional scales. Urban areas face challenges of infrastructure investment and maintenance, land use management, livelihood creation and ecosystem services protection. AR5 also considered how urban localities can encourage incremental and transformative adaptation, build resilience and support sustainable development. The assessment identified the need for multi-level and multi-partner action in rapidly growing cities where institutions and infrastructure are still not established to meet the growing demands of the cities. However, there was only medium confidence that adaptation action was happening in the AR5 review period.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report