Document summary
The question of resilience in the context of urban growth recognises that disaster risk reduction is not limited to preparedness and response, but is a key determinant for sustainable development. How cities grow – the strategic planning and design of spatial elements and their impact on the natural and built environments, the inclusion of the most vulnerable in urban planning — all dictate a city’s capacity to absorb and recover from disasters, including those driven by an extreme climate. Building resilience to disasters requires the political will and intervention of active, competent local governments. They must be supported at the national level through strong policies and sustained, sufficient financial commitments. This report explores how cities can improve and measure their resilience.