Urban Planning for Climate Change

This resource offers an overview of climate change indicators, risks, and particular threats to urban centers. It also examines how cities can pursue sustainable design to moderate the effects of climate change, as well as recommendations for further policy research.

A framework for planning for climate impacts at the city level is detailed. New Orleans is used as a model for risk assessment design at the municipal level. This New Orleans example provides urban climate related risk factors in the areas of infrastructure risks, heat-related illness, tourism, energy and water demand, and criminal behavior. The potential impact of general increased mean temperature on tourism, water resources, energy demand, damage to built environment, storm surges, and social justice is also discussed.