Issues of Climate Change, Health and National Security in Expanding Cities Worldwide

Abstract

The changing climate and environment in cities and their effects on human health and national security are reviewed. Science and policies need re-examining when applied to growing mega-cities as their diameters exceed 50-100 km and their populations rise beyond 30 million people. Although urban areas themselves contribute to climate change, caused by their increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with rapidly expanding energy use, depending on their structure and operation they may or may not contribute more per person than in rural areas. Environmental and social policies are considered for how large conurbations can be prepared for climatic and environmental hazards including health and security, and how these policies need to be coordinated with those for mitigating GHG emissions and adapting megacities to the hazards associated with climate change. Hazard refuges and urban insurance may be two techniques that need more consideration. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.