Climate Change, Urban Planning and Sustainable Development in Africa: The Difference Worth Appreciating

Abstract

Climate change presents urban areas in Africa with significant challenges relating to adaptation to dynamic climate risks and protection of critical infrastructure systems and residents’ livelihoods. This chapter argues for the need to adopt multidisciplinary approaches, perspectives and theoretical frameworks that espouse the transformation of climate change adaptation options and sustainable urban environmental management practices in Africa. It also brings together key findings from the various chapters of the book underscoring the geographical variations, future challenges and opportunities for urban planning and climate change adaptation in Africa. It emphasises lessons learned from specific case studies can be useful to identify best practices which can be applied more widely and poor practices which need to be re-examined. Future research needs are also highlighted.