The climate crisis and urbanization are two of the most prominent drivers of change in the natural and human worlds, respectively. Both are human-induced, long-term and disproportionately affecting developing countries. These two challenges are converging, and each drives the other. Cities occupy only three per cent of the global land area but are responsible for over 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, 56 per cent of the global population lives in urban areas and this figure is projected to increase to two-thirds by 2050. Much of these demographic changes and dwelling expansions will occur among the urban poor in the Global South, who are especially vulnerable to Climate Change impacts.

Further, Climate Change induces migration to cities. Rapid urbanization and skewed population growth, coupled with the adverse impacts of Climate Change, could jeopardize the efforts to promote sustainable development and exacerbate environmental risks. For example, air pollution, compounded by climate change, is a huge problem in cities. Asian cities experience some of the worst air quality in the world, adversely affecting the health of their populations, particularly those most vulnerable like children and the elderly. Recent hazardous air pollution episodes in major cities of South Asia resulted in school closures, spikes in hospital visits, and disruption of daily life. 

In recent years, Nepal has become one of the fastest urbanizing countries in Asia, with a staggering increase in urban dwellers from 17 per cent in 2011 to 68 per cent in 2017. Research found that extreme rainfall events, such as those that caused the 2024 September floods and landslides in and around Kathmandu Valley, have become 18 per cent more intense and twice more likely due to Climate Change. Rapid urbanization in Kathmandu Valley has severely compromised natural drainage, increased surface runoff, and exacerbated flood risks. Thus, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that our cities are environment-friendly, disaster resilient and just for all.

Unplanned urbanization generates emissions and increases vulnerability to Climate Change. However, planned urbanization, improved waste management, promoting clean transport and disaster risk reduction policies could reduce climate risks and improve resilience, particularly for the urban poor, thus also ensuring environmental justice, while promoting a green economy. Policies, programs, and plans aimed at sustainable urban development can result in co-benefits to both climate and communities. For instance, reducing air pollution will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and short-lived climate pollutants that contribute to Climate Change, while improving public health.  

Objectives:

1. Explore the connections between Climate Change and urbanization and their impacts on urban communities, particularly on the urban poor.
2. Identify solutions to reduce vulnerabilities and promote environmental justice.