Transcript Urban Adaptation to Climate Change

Urban Adaptation to Climate
Change
The dangers of rising sea level due to
climate change and the responses of
two low laying cities:
Amsterdam and Dhaka
Climate Issues Faced by Urban Coastal
Areas
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Global Warming
Ice Melting
Earth Plates
Cyclones
Flooding
Amsterdam
• Almost entirely below sea level
• Early challenges brought innovative responses
• Today a leader in the management of rising sea level
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2B-y4IRYbI
Dhaka
• One of today’s “climate change hotspots”
• At highest risk of any area in APEC analysis
• Ranked based on vulnerability to climate change
events and ability to cope with events.
• Taking steps to improve “Climate Resistance”
Conclusions
• Countries that are just beginning to develop are less able to reduce carbon
emissions or invest in solving other future problems caused by climate
change.
• Social justice advocates argue that developed nations should support
these countries by financing cleaner forms of industrialization.
• The relationship between Amsterdam and Dhaka is a perfect example of
this because, where Bangladesh lacks the funds and technology to
adequately protect itself from the dangers of sea level rising, Amsterdam
is able to offer its help by financing flood protection and training.
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In this way, the dangers of land degradation, water damage and human
health risks that Dhaka is so likely to face in the future may potentially be
mitigated