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Urban risk and planning

This theme contributes to the understanding of urban risk, which includes urban hazards, exposure and vulnerability. It also covers aspects related to improving awareness, as well as local governance and local capacity to effectively reduce disaster risk.

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Latest Urban risk & planning additions in the Knowledge Base

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Aerial view, Brown floodwater flowing through storm drain canal during intense rainfall in Accra, Ghana in June 2026.
Update
Climate change and urban pressures intensify flood risk on the Gulf of Guinea coast

Between 20–22 June 2026, the coastal regions of the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria, experienced exceptionally widespread and severe flooding following intense and persistent rainfall.

World Weather Attribution
From local action to lasting impact thumbnail
Documents and publications
From local action to lasting impact

This report captures the outcomes and impact of the Urban Climate Resilience Program (UCRP) in Spain between 2023 and 2026.

PrepareCenter.org
Update
How 65 major U.S. cities are responding to urban heat

Climate Central analysis shows that residents of the 65 largest U.S. cities experience an average of 8°F of extra heat due to the built environment.

Climate Central
The perils of risk communication in a context of uncertainty: The long dispute over contamination after the Grenfell Tower fire thumbnail
Documents and publications
The perils of risk communication in a context of uncertainty: The long dispute over contamination after the Grenfell Tower fire

This study examines post-disaster risk communication after the Grenfell Tower fire, arguing that acknowledging uncertainty, enabling inclusive risk assessment and applying precaution can help rebuild trust between authorities and affected communities.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (Elsevier)
Digital thermometer showing a high temperature in a town
Research briefs
Study reveals the world's cities most at risk from extreme heat

Research from the University of Oxford has ranked 205 of the world's largest cities by their risk from extreme heat, identifying where people are most in danger as global temperatures rise.

University of Oxford
Facade of small business buildings in the old town district of Granada, Spain.
Blog
Ignasi Fontanals
Small businesses are key to building resilient cities
Can cities and SMEs can access the operational resilience tools – continuity plans, crisis exercises, risk assessments and risk transfer approaches – that have traditionally been available mainly to large companies and major consultancies?
A multi-stakeholder approach for urban heat resilience: Singapore’s experience thumbnail
Documents and publications
A multi-stakeholder approach for urban heat resilience: Singapore’s experience

This report outlines how Singapore has developed a coordinated strategy to address the growing risks of urban heat under climate change. L

Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN)
Shade produced by trees in a city street in southern France
Update
Urban trees aren’t just nice, scientists say — they’re mandatory

Researchers are calling for cities to double down on one of the simplest yet most powerful solutions to many problems.

Grist Magazine
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