Premium
Extreme events and climate adaptation‐mitigation linkages: Understanding low‐carbon transitions in the era of global urbanization
Author(s) -
Solecki William,
Grimm Nancy,
Marcotullio Peter,
Boone Christopher,
Bruns Antje,
Lobo Jose,
Luque Andres,
RomeroLankao Patricia,
Young Andrea,
Zimmerman Rae,
Breitzer Rebekah,
Griffith Corrie,
Aylett Alexander
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: climate change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.678
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1757-7799
pISSN - 1757-7780
DOI - 10.1002/wcc.616
Subject(s) - vulnerability (computing) , greenhouse gas , climate change , adaptation (eye) , psychological resilience , environmental resource management , corporate governance , climate change mitigation , resilience (materials science) , urbanization , extreme weather , environmental economics , business , natural resource economics , environmental planning , environmental science , computer science , economics , economic growth , ecology , computer security , psychology , physics , finance , optics , psychotherapist , biology , thermodynamics
It has become increasingly clear that cities will have to simultaneously undertake both adaptation and mitigation in response to accelerating climate change and the growing demands for meaningful climate action. Here we examine the connections between climate mitigation and climate adaptation, specifically, between low‐carbon energy systems and extreme events. The article specifically addresses the question, how do responses to extreme climate risks enhance or limit capacity to promote city‐level greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation? As a step toward answering this question, we present a framework for considering windows of opportunity that may arise as a result of extreme events and how these windows can be exploited to foster development and implementation of low‐carbon energy strategies. Four brief case studies are used to provide empirical background and determine the impact of potential windows of opportunity. Some general conclusions are defined. In particular, the existing energy system structure is an important determinant of impact and potential for energy transitions. Well‐developed and articulated governance strategies and ready access of effective and economically efficient alternative energy technology were key to transitions. However, prospects for inequity in development and implementation of low‐carbon solutions need to be considered. Finally, exploiting windows of opportunity afforded by extreme events for developing low‐carbon economy and infrastructure also can provide resilience against those very events. These types of responses will be needed as extreme events increase in frequency and magnitude in the future, with cities as primary sites of impact and action. This article is categorized under: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies