Matt Kahn, who blogs at Environmental and Urban Economics, has written a new book called Climatopolis. The book is going to be released in September 2010. Based on some reviews that I have read, and a presentation that Kahn delivered at a February 2010 USC Conference on Cities and Urban Growth, the book seems to be quite informative and highlights the significance of human adaptation to climate change in urban environments.
Many professionals studying climate change (scientists, geographers, economists) have discussed climate change mitigation i.e. driving less, carbon pricing to reduce our emissions, decreasing electricity consumption etc. We don't hear as much about adaptation which is a more risky subject because of the uncertainty surrounding climate change. But emissions are likely going to continue to rise so adapting to the consequences and/or preparing for them will be of utmost importance.
Kahn says "Many people are fixated on how we can reduce greenhouse gases, and acting like adapting to a warmer climate is still in the sci-fi future. But we've passed the point of no return. Certain urban places — like Los Angeles — will suffer. But I'm optimistic that Los Angeles will also adapt."
On water: "Climate change is going to make water both scarcer and more in demand, but charging so little for water is actually exacerbating the water shortage problems. "People need pricing signals or they won't respond to shortages."
I couldn't agree more.
I'll provide a review when I read the book. With 60 percent of the world's population living in cities by 2030, it is fair to say that cities will have to make the critical adaptations to avoid catastrophe and to plan for posterity.
Check out the following links for more information about his book:
Climatopolis Webpage
Kahn's preview of his book
Kahn's presentation at the USC conference where he introduces themes from the book. It's 35 minutes long but really funny.
A review from Publishers Weekly on Climatopolis
Capitalism is our best defense against climate change
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