Introduction: Urban Risk and Assessing Vulnerability at the Local Level

Abstract

Climate change is already beginning to transform the world we live in. Cities and regions around the world are experiencing seasonal shifts, rising temperatures, fluctuations in rainfall patterns and precipitation (leading to drought and floods), changes in the severity and frequency of extreme events, and accelerated sea level rise. The most pronounced changes are expected to occur in cities, particularly in developing countries as they have fewer resources to adapt socially and technically.