Building Resilient and Sustainable Cities amid Climate Change and Water Challenges

Climate change is having multifaceted impacts on urban water environments. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report assesses climate change impacts and risks for "Cities, Settlements and Key Infrastructure," indicating that coastal and low-lying cities and settlements may face severe impacts from sea-level rise and coastal climate hazards. Changes in precipitation and runoff are increasing uncertainty in water supply, while urban population growth and shifts in economic activity are altering water demand, making water-related challenges more complex.

As warming progresses, the climate system, including the ocean and cryosphere, may approach tipping points, potentially increasing disaster risks through sea-level rise, changing precipitation patterns and more frequent extremes. These impacts may appear as water scarcity, flooding, or inundation caused by heavy rainfall in urban areas, with their severity shaped by regional socio-economic conditions and adaptive capacity.

Against this background, this session examines how scientific knowledge on climate change and the water environment can support urban resilience and sustainable development. Through presentations by three experts and a panel discussion, the session will discuss future risks to water resources and urban flooding, and explore how prediction, assessment and cross-sectoral knowledge can support adaptation planning, risk-informed decision-making and resilience-building in cities and communities. By linking science, policy and local action, the session aims to contribute to sustainable and resilient cities in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.