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Epilogue: Perspectives

from the 5th Urban Research

Symposium

To do justice to the wealth of research and discussion that took place during
the 5th Urban Research Symposium, this fi nal chapter condenses the fi ndings
from a selection of 42 symposium papers.^1 Written by leading researchers and
academics, this synthesis is organized into four sections, refl ecting the fi ve
thematic clusters of the symposium: (1) models and indicators to measure
impact and performance; (2) infrastructure, the built environment, and energy
effi ciency; (3) city institutions and governance for climate change; and (4) eco-
nomic and social aspects of climate change in cities (this last section merged
from two of the symposium clusters).

Models and Indicators to Measure Impact and Performance
Anu Ramaswami and Joshua Sperling

Scientifi c knowledge and accurate measurement techniques to address climate
action in cities are only now catching up with the magnitude of the urban cli-
mate challenge. Th is thematic area reviews key gaps in our knowledge to date
and summarizes available models, fi eld measurement, and indicators in two
main areas: (1) energy-use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated
with cities and (2) understanding climate risks, vulnerabilities, and adaptation
strategies in cities.
Signifi cant transboundary exchange of energy and materials occurs between
cities and surrounding hinterland areas. Th ese exchanges are refl ected in
trade and transport among cities and in large-scale infrastructure such as the
power plants that serve cities but are often located outside city boundaries.

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