Measures that reduce the vulnerability of natural and human systems to the impacts of climate change are essential for sustainable development. In cities, the increase in climate risks driven by urbanization demands planning and investment from local governments to expand climate adaptation. This challenge transcends the geographical boundaries of urban areas and is directly linked to global prosperity—after all, cities are home to 55% of the world's population and 80% of global GDP.
In Brazil, 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Between 2013 and 2016, roughly 50% of Brazilian cities suffered from droughts, 31% experienced flooding, and 29% faced flash floods or sudden inundations. The frequency of such natural disasters and their impacts on the population are expected to increase in the coming years, and Brazilian cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, where 54.7% of the population lives, will be the most affected.
