In the current state of climate crisis, cities face significant and increasing climate risks. The majority of these are due to changes in both our global and local water cycles. Whether it is too much water in the form of floods due to sea level rises, extreme precipitation and storms, or not enough water resulting in water shortages and droughts, no city in the world is immune to these climatic changes.
The project will see C40 develop a stronger focus on climate adaptation, which means dealing with the impact of climate change that is already here or will inevitable occur. Climate adaptation and water are intimately linked, as the impact of climate changes are first and foremost water-related. Thus, the project brings water management to the top of the urban sustainable development agenda.
So far, the Foundation has
- contributed DKK 3.7 million (USD 563,000) towards Water Safe Cities I
- committed DKK 11,70 million (~USD 1.6 million) for Water Safe Cities II
- added independent research investigating how political commitments are put into action in five cities and understanding the potential of ambitious political commitments to contribute to transformative climate action.
- With funding from the Grundfos Foundation, C40 has conducted novel research on risks for cities in terms of water scarcity and flooding, which will be accompanied by policy recommendations and solutions to mitigate these risks.
- To ensure informed and actionable research, the project entails creation of a broad network for urban water management in C40, where expert public and private advisors can contribute, while cities engage for best-practice sharing.
Ultimately, the goal of the project is to deliver substantial and actionable solutions which allow cities to adapt to or altogether prevent climate risks, creating water-resilient cities for the future.
Woman with child walking the flooded streets of Jakarta. Photo: Kompas – Hendra A Setyawan – World Meteorological Organization
The purpose of the project is to support cities’ adaptation to water-related risks caused by climate change through novel research and development of actionable solutions. The C40 secretariat will deliver the project with input from relevant C40 cities that have experienced different water-related issues. The research will draw on expert advisors in the form of international organizations and private actors.
- White Paper: Effective emergency preparedness for flooding and drought | A guide for cities (OCT 2024)
All cities worldwide that are vulnerable to water-related climate changes will be able to benefit from the research and solutions developed.
