In a world that is experiencing the intensities of climate change, some say these are normal and cyclical global processes that the earth goes through every so many millennia. While some of this theory may be true, the contribution of pollutants from fossil fuels and other sources have sped things up, so that the earth cannot keep a balance. We are tipping the scales in our need for power, ramped waste and lack of concern for the effects on the earth, life and ourselves.. Some weather patterns in certain cities are more apparent than others, and for these, they are in a battle for climate survival.

The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, hosted by New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has been established to help member cities experiencing extreme weather conditions and global warming changes, contribute to the study and measurement of the implications of climate change and the impact on the local sustainable activities. From Toronto to Tokyo and Warsaw to Addis Ababa, these partner cities are assisting in developing the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). The online reporting platform includes detailed information on the mitigation, risks and adaptation of the many variables of effect that climate change has on the partner cities. The interactive report is being used by scientists and other cities around the world to evaluate the overall effect, both in cost and life, that climate change is having on the member cities.

Some of the more obvious effects of climate change can be seen in cities such as Tokyo, where billions of dollars are being invested and yet they cannot keep up with the increased rain and storm effects that have occurred over the last decade, causing one of the world’s richest cities to be overcome by flooding and disasters. Australia, and specifically Melbourne, has experienced devastating heat, with 2009 as the record breaking 115 degrees Fahrenheit, with drought and bush fires in uncontrolled manners, burning the state of Victoria. The 2003 heat wave in Paris is estimated to have reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with a probability of nearing 5,700 human deaths. In 2010, Rio de Janeiro had one of the worst storms in over fifty years; bringing almost a foot of rain in a twenty four hour period and causing 175 deaths and leaving over 15,000 people stranded and homeless. Lagos experienced a 2011 torrential downpour of rain and flooding situations that changed roads into rivers, destroyed sewers and homes and left twenty people dead, with a crippling effect on the economy.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/14/world/map-climate-change-c40/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

8 Responses to “5 Cities Worldwide that Battle for Climate Survival”

1. 1
   TomorrowTomorrow Says:
   

   I think that we will be seeing more countries joining this group. The sad part is that the extreme weather conditions are making a showing all around the world. Some can say they are a fluke, but when it happens in such an extreme, year after year, it’s not a coincidence, it’s a reality. What kind of world are we leaving for our children?

   May 28th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
2. 2
   TonsOfPups Says:
   

   I have a friend in Australia that has kept me up to date on what’s going on there. It is frightening. So much land has been destroyed from drought and fire. Animal life and their own way of life is being devastated. Are we too late to turn this around?

   May 27th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
3. 3
   StarGirl Says:
   

   Kudos goes out to Michael Bloomberg for setting this all up. It’s almost impossible to believe that so many still deny that there are any climate changes happening, but those in the areas that are being hit the hardest will probably be more than happy to defend the topic. Too bad that it takes that level of disaster.

   May 26th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
4. 4
   CantDance Says:
   

   Whether it’s too much rain, drought, hurricanes, fires or floods; only some of this can be considered natural behavior. I hope this group has some ideas and influence in changing bad behavior.

   May 25th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
5. 5
   TomorrowTomorrow Says:
   

   I think that we will be seeing more countries joining this group. The sad part is that the extreme weather conditions are making a showing all around the world. Some can say they are a fluke, but when it happens in such an extreme, year after year, it’s not a coincidence, it’s a reality. What kind of world are we leaving for our children?

   May 21st, 2013 at 1:54 pm
6. 6
   StarGirl Says:
   

   Kudos goes out to Michael Bloomberg for setting this all up. It’s almost impossible to believe that so many still deny that there are any climate changes happening, but those in the areas that are being hit the hardest will probably be more than happy to defend the topic. Too bad that it takes that level of disaster.

   May 20th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
7. 7
   CantDance Says:
   

   Whether it’s too much rain, drought, hurricanes, fires or floods; only some of this can be considered natural behavior. I hope this group has some ideas and influence in changing bad behavior.

   May 19th, 2013 at 9:20 am
8. 8
   TonsOfPups Says:
   

   I have a friend in Australia that has kept me up to date on what’s going on there. It is frightening. So much land has been destroyed from drought and fire. Animal life and their own way of life is being devastated. Are we too late to turn this around?

   May 18th, 2013 at 12:20 pm

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