A B S T R AC T Global warming and related climate changes are likely to signifi cantly increase the weather-related risks facing human settlements, including fl oods, water and power supply failures and associated economic collapse into "failed cities". Action to help poor urban communities adapt to become more resilient to possible change must therefore be initiated, although to date attention has focused on mitigation rather than adaptation. This paper considers the physical and fi nancial implications for urban areas of the potential impacts of climate variability and change on water resources, illustrated by examples from sub-Saharan Africa, which is likely to be one of the most vulnerable and most affected regions. Water management, which will be particularly affected by climate change, could provide an opportunity to initiate structured adaptation responses. Adaptation costs in the sub-Saharan urban water sector are estimated at between 10 and 20 per cent of current overseas development assistance to the region. This paper suggests that additional funding should be made available in terms of the "polluter pays" principle, and should be channelled through government budgets rather than ring-fenced climate funds. This would help ensure that "climate proofi ng" is mainstreamed and would be in keeping with current trends in overseas development assistance refl ected in the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. K E Y W O R D S adaptation / aid effectiveness / climate change / dams / hydrology / sub-Saharan Africa / water
This is in line with admonition given by REF that action to help urban communities in adapting to climate change must be sustainable.
Adapting to climate change water management for urban resilience
Environment and Urbanization
Economics