As climate impacts intensify, the SADC region's urban development must evolve to incorporate advanced, risk-informed methodologies. This session will explore the technical challenges of integrating climate data science into urban planning and management, focusing on how limited access to reliable data impedes effective decision-making. The complex task of embedding climate considerations into existing urban frameworks, addressing the infrastructural and policy gaps that hinder resilience will also be explored.
The Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) strategic interest in channeling resources toward resilient infrastructure will be discussed, by highlighting its ICRF (Infrastructure Climate Resilient Facility) Programme and the UN initiative BCRUP (Building Climate Resistance for the Urban Poor).
Additionally, the speakers will briefly present the APIA (Adaptation Projects Incubator for Africa) Programme of Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI) and the technical support it could offer to help unlock finance for risk-informed urban development, ensuring cities are better equipped to face climate impacts.