How can we develop environmentally effective, affordable, equitable, and practical solutions to plan for a changing climate in urban settings?
Cities are home to more than half of the world's population, and by 2050, nearly 70% of people are expected to live in urban areas. As cities grow, they face increasing climate challenges, such as frequent heat waves, flooding, droughts, wildfires, and severe storms. These impacts are not felt equally. Older adults, children, Indigenous communities, low-income households, and other vulnerable populations often face the greatest risks. Building climate-resilient cities means creating communities that are safer, more inclusive, and better prepared for these challenges. Cities are already adapting by expanding urban forests, redesigning streets to reduce flooding, improving public transit, and investing in resilient infrastructure. However, every city has unique needs, creating opportunities for innovative local solutions.
This year’s GII challenge asks students to design simple, low-cost solutions to help cities adapt to a changing climate. Students will examine the complexities of this issue and propose strategies to strengthen climate adaptation.
