Vancouver versus the rising sea: how the city is adapting to climate change

TARU, an Indian thinktank, has found that Indians cities have combined decentralized action and "multi-stakeholder engagement" in public policy to respond to problems of scarcity in water and power as well as climate change-related natural disasters. Municipalities are putting responsibility for improving local lives at the grassroots level; integrating disruptive technologies from the private sector; and fostering collaboration between government and citizens.

As climate change drastically alters the land, sea, and how humans subsist in the face of a changing environment, governments are finding that traditional methods of development are no longer sufficient or sustainable. To adapt, governing bodies around the world are turning to their citizens - especially those most at-risk to the effects of climate change - to lend their ideas and experiences to ensure better, more sustainable development for the future.

A collaborative effort among the United Nations' District Energy in Cities Initiative, the Malaysian government, and private partners has facilitated planning in Malaysia's rapidly developing southern state of Johor for a "District Energy System": a single heating and cooling network which decreases energy consumption by converting waste heat from large power stations. Because of this intervention, Iskandar is projected to decrease its energy use by almost 40% -- all while saving money on energy costs, recycling heat energy, and contributing to the nation's goals under the international Paris Accord.

Geography and climate change challenge the viability of sea-level cities in Vietnam, but architects, researchers, and urban planners work together to find creative solutions. One architect in Ho Chi Minh City designed green roofs to absorb the rainwater that causes floods.

In many cities, rainwater is drained through "grey infrastructure" things like pipes, streets, etc. In some cities, this system is combined with the sewage system. Rainwater drains into the sewage system, is then cleaned, then emptied into the river. However, with strong storms some sewage systems overflow. A problem that will worsen with climate change. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, rain gardens are one solution to overflowing sewage systems. Cities like Harrisburg are turning to green infrastructure, things like rain gardens, roofs with gardens, and parks, to ease the burden on gray infrastructure.

The town of Ii, in northern Finland, has cut carbon emissions by 80 percent, hitting the European Union's target 30 years before the deadline. Thanks to collective action in the community, businessmen, children, grandparents, and even the mayor has pitched in. In the process, the town of Ii boosted its local economy.

Around the world, scientists are eco-engineering urban waterfront areas to encourage marine species diversity. Seattle’s Central Waterfront area was recently enhanced with a textured and angled concrete sea wall to encourage the growth of algae and invertebrates, a built-up seafloor to attract juvenile salmon who like shallow water, and light penetrating glass bricks in the sidewalk, which boost seaweed growth and entice shade-avoidant salmon smolts. The project also enhances the human experience with more pedestrian access, better storm water management, and a new pier park with direct water access.

A community in North Amsterdam tackles the issue of rising water levels head on by building homes that can float. The houses are built to include solar energy grids using blockchain so neighbors can share electricity, and the structures rise and fall with the ebbs and flows of flooding.

After Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the city, Hoboken, New Jersey decided to rebuild the city with climate change and increased flood risks in mind, rather than returning to "normal." With the help of federal funding - and their relatively well-off tax base - Hoboken is joining other East Coast cities in building climate resilient cities.

Hurricanes and big storms have the power to cause damage and death to the areas affected, and building barriers is expensive. Coastal restoration could be a better alternative, rebuilding green infrastructure to help break up waves and storm power before it reaches land.