Growing Cities vs. Global Warming

Posted by Sarah Everest on Monday, November 02, 2009

Sea levels are rising and houses are flooding — the threat of global warming is alive and well.

That means major cities throughout the world need to take steps to prepare, says a three-year study led by Newcastle University for the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

The report titled, "How can cities grow whilst reducing emissions and vulnerability," focuses on challenges facing London, England, but applies to other cities as well, stressing collaboration between policy makers and the public.

It suggests ways to protect homes and buildings against the increased threat of flooding from rising sea levels, and to make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon emissions and water usage.

The move towards cleaner, greener transport will be essential in reducing the threat of climate change, it says. And at the heart of this lies the development and promotion of cycleways and public transportation.

Researchers used new UK Climate Predictions '09 data which predicts changes in weather patterns over the next century. It found warmer temperatures in urban areas will lead to increased flooding in winter and less water availability in summer.