Introduction: Describing Impacts at the Local Level

Abstract

Climate change is expected to have severe physical, social, environmental and economic impacts on both developed and developing cities across the globe. Current global climate projections indicate that changes are likely to result in increased temperatures, sea level rise (temporary and permanent inundation), changes in rainfall and precipitation patterns (flooding and drought), changes in wind speed, and changes in the severity and frequency of extreme events. The risks and impacts associated with these climatic changes pose a serious threat to the reputations of cities as service providers and their ability to meet their own targets for growth and development.