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The Future of Climate Will Be Decided in Cities and Oceans

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Eco-Responsible Cities and the Global Ocean

Abstract

This chapter argues that the battle for climate change will be won or lost in cities and the seas. Oceans and cities are the ecosystems that most affect, and are most affected by, climate. The oceans have a vital role in regulating the global climate system, generating oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide: cities constitute the 121 largest emitters and potentially most-efficient energy users, but also the highest concentrated human resolve to change the status quo. Sea rise, ocean warming, and acidification may have disastrous effects on the global ocean and the future of the planet. Cities impact climate not only because of their sheer size but also because of their democratic traditions and their global networks, which can have a great role in climate justice, and their power to disseminate influential patterns to the world. Climate change, subsidence, and sea level rise are important risks, especially for low-elevation, densely populated urban areas, but eco-responsible city developments can prevent disaster. Riverside, coastal, and deltaic cities must bear the worst effects of the extreme events linked to climate change. Low-lying developing megacities are extremely vulnerable, but developed cities and assets are also at risk and should share knowledge and technologies and disseminate the best approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium

    Voula P. Mega

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  1. Voula P. Mega
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Voula P. Mega .

Watercolour 5 Paris, EU Innovation Capital 2017 and the Inspiration from the Sea (Tribute to Frank Gerry)

Watercolour 5 Paris, EU Innovation Capital 2017 and the Inspiration from the Sea (Tribute to Frank Gerry)

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Mega, V.P. (2019). The Future of Climate Will Be Decided in Cities and Oceans. In: Eco-Responsible Cities and the Global Ocean. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93680-2_3

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