Author(s): Vitor Vinagre; Teresa Fidelis; Ana Luis
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The global trend of urbanization is progressing rapidly. Between 1950 and 2020, the urban population surged from 0.8 billion (29.6%) to 4.4 billion (56.2%), and projections indicate it could further climb to 6.7 billion (68.4%) by 2050. Simultaneously, urban areas are experiencing observable impacts of climate change on human health, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure systems. These systems become increasingly vulnerable if their design does not account for evolving climate conditions. Managing water resources, crucial for human life, economic activities, and ecosystem functioning, faces significant challenges in a changing climate, given the uneven distribution of water availability across territory and time. Frequent extreme hydrological events, such as prolonged droughts and floods, create substantial uncertainty regarding cities' water security. While numerous studies have addressed various aspects of the relationship between climate change, spatial planning, and the water cycle in recent years, there appears to be a gap in research that identifies, catalogues, and integrates consolidated expertise in these fields. Specifically, this study aims to explore the key factors contextualizing cities' adaptation to climate change, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the urban water cycle and urban planning.
Year: 2024