Thirteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

This paper tries to find out the factors that determine local climate adaptation in high-altitude cities by statistically testing thirty potentially influencing independent variables against the existence of a climate adaptation plan. Furthermore, it investigated the most pronounced climate change hazards and adaptation strategies. The results indicate that membership of ICLEI, donor agency support, the proportion of green spaces, the level of CO2 emission, the existence of a climate expert body, and the existence of a climate-concerned civil society act as drivers for formulating a climate adaptation plan. Based on analysis of the result, Cities are more likely to develop climate action plans with donor support. Institutional and socioeconomic factors are more important than climate risk factors. The evaluation matrix analysis shows surface flooding is the most pronounced climate vulnerability in high-altitude cities. Overall, the results indicate that cities that are at high risk of climate change need external intervention in terms of donor support to formulate a climate action plan. High-altitude cities should invest more in flood protection, and local governments have to formulate a way of effectively engaging public participation in the process of developing a climate adaptation plan. Cities need to act in a pro-active manner by instituting a city-level climate expert body that also deals with donors in the process of developing a climate adaptation plan. Finally, this study could have relevance in terms of strengthening local climate adaptation planning in the specific case of high-altitude cities.