World Bank Document

ADAPTING CITIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE ■ 219

continued

Pearl River Delta

The national plan is advertised as the fi rst climate plan from a developing country; its presence and mandate for regional application will motivate action at the local level

National Plan has very few references to city adaptation action, suggested local government action is connected mostly to agricultural sector adaptation and the protection of coastal zones

Emphasis on mitigation action in National Plan

Emphasis on adaptation for agricultural production in National Plan (protecting yields for wheat, rice, and maize); strengthening forest/wetland conservation is also considered as enhancing adaptation capacities

Reduced governability capacity due to extremely rapid urbanization with limited control (comprehensive plans do not guide the observed levels of urbanization)

Top-down governance structure (a fi ve-tier hierarchical structure) imposes limits for local action

Policies are implemented differentially at the local level (spatial differentiation of governance)

Lack of an independent budget for energy savings, environment protection, and adaptation at local level

Economic competition among regions and special economic zones increases the probability of no action (China insists on not sacrifi cing economic growth)

Pune

• Traditional water management systems (such as harvesting)• Investments through JNNURM• Strong engagement and involvement of NGOs• High level of civil society involvement• Strong refl ection and discussion in local media


• High poverty levels, increasing vulnerability•

Rapid in-migration and unplanned settlements (40% slum dwellers)

• Weak coordination between local authorities• Low levels of climate change awareness•

Rapid dynamics of change with low reaction time in a multistakeholder environment