Urban resilience

Extreme weather events are associated with disruption or loss of essential services such as water and energy supplies, particularly in cities. Variability in weather already impacts the performance of existing infrastructure.

Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of some severe weather including flooding. Assets and networks across all infrastructure sectors are already exposed to multiple sources of flooding.  Coastal infrastructures, particularly ports are at risk from rising sea levels and a consequential increase in the height of onshore waves and storm surges. Infrastructure networks near rivers, especially bridges, electricity and communication cables, and gas pipelines, will need protection from higher flows and erosion of bridge foundations. 

Preparing and adapting to changing weather as cities grow and evolve will help mitigate the effects of climate change and increase the resilience of urban environments today.​