Climate change adaptation strategies and disaster risk reduction in cities: connections, contentions, and synergies

This paper reviews how the fields of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) have contributed to the understanding of how cities’ are responding to climate change risks and hazards. A primary objective of the discussion is to highlight the connections, tensions, and areas for cross-fertilization between the two fields as defined within the recent literature. The paper focuses on three sites of overlap that include: (1) event likelihood: hazards, risks and uncertainty; (2) impact parameters: exposure, vulnerability, and equity; and (3) societal responses: adaptive capacity and resilience. Focusing on cities in both developing and developed countries, the authors assert that that the convergence and interplay between the two fields has already had impacts on both areas of study. The linkages between DRR and CCA strategies have started to change how researchers and practitioners conceive and approach the analysis and management of urban climate risk and associated impacts and response activities. The prospect for additional synergy is defined as strong.

► Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in cities have become increasingly linked.
► Connections and contentions between the two fields are highlighted, and sites for potential synergy presented.
► Areas of overlap include: event likelihood, impact parameters, and societal responses.
► Interactions between researchers and practitioners will influence success of CCA and DDR and affect security and well-being of urban populations.