Local climate adaptation in high altitude cities : the case of 12 high altitude cities

Abstract

This paper investigates the local climate adaptation in 12 high altitude cities. It tries to find out the factors that determine local climate adaptation in high altitude cities by statistically testing 30 potentially influencing independent variables against the existence of a climate adaptation plan within the sample of cities, which is the dependent variable. Additionally, by applying an evaluation matrix, it investigated the most pronounced climate change hazards and adaptation strategies the sample cities are experiencing and addressing, respectively. It also analyzes the climate change risk of Addis Abeba in particular, by statistically analyzing the maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall anomalies based on 70 years meteorological data of Addis Abeba. The results indicate that membership of ICLEI, donor agency support, proportion of green spaces in the city, level of co2 emission of the city, existence of a climate expert body in the city and existence of a climate concerned civil society in the city act as drivers for formulating a climate adaptation plan. However, the results indicate there are no significantly correlated negative factors implying there are no factors that act as barriers for formulating a climate adaptation strategy. Based on analysis of the result, Cities are more likely to develop climate action plan with donor support than by their own initiative, Institutional and socio- economic factors are more important than climate risk factors, Locational/geographic factors are not influential in driving the development of climate action plan, Climate risk is not a driver of climate action plan. The evaluation matrix analysis shows Surface flooding is the most pronounced climate vulnerability in high altitude cities followed by drought/ water scarcity and forest fire. The most common adaptation strategy carried out by the studied cities belong to the engineering and built environment. 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 on flood protection, drought/water scarcity and forest fire, local governments has 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 climate networks, 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.