Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Article world habitat day 2011
1. AN UNDENIABLE RELATIONSHIP:
CITIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE
- Prabin Tandan (BTRTC, Hetauda)
Climate change is a well-heard phenomenon that has been discussed, debated and
researched for decades. Yet it has not been able to fully transform itself from talk-to-task; i.e.
enough attention has not been garnered from all concerned sides.
Basically Climate change refers to the result of changes in the Global energy balance,
which is the equilibrium between rate of receiving energy from the Sun and rate of losing energy
to space. This equilibrium energy is dispersed throughout the earth as winds, ocean currents, heat
waves and other means.
Several factors have been attributed to Climate change, the most prominent one being the
emission of Greenhouse gases that trap Solar heat inside earth’s atmosphere, resulting in global
temperature rise (of alarming 0.7 degrees in the 20th century).
CITIES ARE BEING MAJOR CAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Greenhouse gases usually find their origin in urban areas, which consume more than 67%
of world’ energy and contribute to 70% of Global CO2 emission, including radiatively active
gases like methane, carbon monoxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). A great portion of it
comes from Industries, which are responsible for 50% of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel
combustion; the rest being attributed to vehicles and production and use of energy for lighting,
heating, recreation etc. Apart from that, the dense urban environment of cities, with reduced land
2. area for open space, forests, parks and agricultural surfaces abruptly lowers cities’ capacity to
absorb CO2, further degrading the situation. On the other hand, poor waste management also
releases gases like methane and CFCs. Thus cities are being gradually transformed into “Heat
Islands”.
CITIES ARE BEING AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
Statistics suggest that the most dangerous impact Global Climate change is going to have
is on Cities, especially the Urban poor population. With more than half of the world’s population
now living in cities, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole world. Indications have been
seen worldwide of Physical impacts (Glacial retreat and disappearance, changes in rainfall
patterns, frequent and severe weather events like storms, floods and droughts, decreased crop
yield, spread of infectious disease vectors), Biological impacts (Extinction of endangered
species, Growth of harmful species) and Social impacts (Large-scale migration, conflict on water
resources) etc. Last but not the least, rise in sea level is among the most severe of its
consequences. It is no wonder when 10% of world’s population lives less than 10 metres above
sea level (Low Elevation Coastal Zone); and 14 of the world’s largest 19 cities are port cities.
Sea-level is expected to rise by 12 cm in ninety years; and it is estimated that a rise in 38 cm can
increase the no. of people flooded by storm surges by five times. Inhabitants of such areas will
be more vulnerable to inland floods, stronger tropical cyclones, spread of diseases, thus
deteorating the quality of life. Loss of ecosystem will make them more prone to disaster, only
amplifying the risks.
3. The matter is serious with regard to our own region Asia too, which accounts for 90% of
deaths related to harsh weather effects. It is estimated that 70% of urban Asian and Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) population are prone to flooding. In the South Asian context, most of
Bangladesh is at very high risk of inundation, with Maldives at the threat of extinction! The days
are not far when we will have “Climate change refugees”, population displaced due to
detrimental effects of Climate Change.
CITIES CAN LEAD THE INITIATIVE
From another perspective, they are the cities alone that can guide in the battle against
climate change; on behalf of mother nature. Since their very existence, cities have been the hubs
of nation’s economic, social and political fields. They have organized manpower and minds,
efficient communication ability and the power to move. They have no control over the impacts,
but certainly can act to decrease its causes, estimate the scale of disaster and plan and proceed
accordingly. UN HABITAT, in its “Mid-term Strategy and Institutional Plan 2008-2013” also
voices for better management of urbanization in this regard. The Copenhagen summit of Mayors,
2009 sent clear message to all stakeholders that
“Cities act- we must, we can and we will”
Fundamentally there are two dimensions to the solution-mitigation and adaptation.
Mitigation vows to prevent further climate change, whereas Adaptation aims at readjusting
lifestyle to its inevitable impacts. As both measures require efficient infrastructure services, cities
can have a unique opportunity to re-strengthen their physical capability and add new life to urban
economy.
4. Not all but many cities have already opened their fronts. Their attempts aim at increasing
energy efficiency of infrastructures, producing clean energy (being Low Carbon cities) and
effective use of resources (e.g. advanced waste management). Some have put their efforts in
designing and constructing energy-efficient facilities, reducing traffic flow, decreasing
greenhouse gas emission, producing and utilizing renewable energy, creating open spaces for
greenery etc. The steps taken by Cities should be recognized and promoted by the respective
governments, especially the developing ones. Cities should also upgrade their capacity to face
the challenges by strong network between them, dissemination of information, sharing of
experiences and transfer of technology. Truly speaking, Cities are left with no alternative but to
take effective action to respond to the disastrous impacts of Climate change.
NEPAL: WHERE WE STAND
With per capita GDP of $427 and sharing mere 0.025% of total Greenhouse gas
emissions, it is ironical that Nepal ranks fourth of 170 countries in respect to the vulnerability to
Climate change impacts over the next 30 years, as shown by Climate Change Vulnerability
Index(CCVI) by U.K. firm Maplecroft. On the other hand, a Gallup survey showed that only
49% of Urban and 36% of Rural Nepalese population was aware of Climate Change. Of the total
population, 17% live in Cities (2008). Nepal’s urbanization rate (7.3%) is the highest in South
Asia, where Kathmandu valley occupies 31% of total Urban population. Her diverse topography,
poverty, rapid deforestation and delicate eco-system are the key factors that make her vulnerable
to impacts of Climate change.
What adds to the woes is that most Nepalese cities are not well-planned; and are
haphazardly growing. They are less equipped to face the challenges Climate change is going to
impose upon. Specifically the most densely populated towns like Kathmandu, which was once
only second to Mexico-city in the global list of most polluted cities; are miles behind in this
context. It is unfortunate that it looks as if we have not even commenced the journey for an
intelligent, energy-efficient Green city. Some efforts have certainly been launched, like DUDBC
provoking through its available resources for better planned small towns, well-equipped
municipalities, building safer and economic buildings and efficient waste management being few
of them; but they are obviously not enough.
There are further things that need to be taken into account, e.g. introducing building
materials that repel rather than trap heat, green roofing with vegetation and adding energy
efficiency requirements in National Building Code; designation of open spaces as Buffer zones
for flooding etc. This is only possible with the co-ordinated effort of Government, Local bodies
and the general public.
Finally, a quote from Maldivian President Mohamed Nashed is worth noting:
“Going green might cost a lot, but refusing to act now will cost us the earth”.
