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Asia

Nature-based Climate Adaptation Programme for the Urban Areas of Penang Island

Penang is situated in Southeast Asia which is projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be one of the three regions in the world to be hit the hardest by climate change. Penang is mostly susceptible to increasing temperatures, heatwaves and frequent extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall which leads to flooding. Several vulnerable communities in Penang include communities living in areas that are flood prone. The programme is a multilateral initiative that looks to enhance urban resilience and reduce human and ecosystem vulnerability to climate change impacts and extreme weather events through the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS). It also seeks to improve social resilience and build institutional capacity in collaborative efforts.

Nature-based Climate Adaptation Programme for the Urban Areas of Penang Island 

CROSS-CUTTING SECTORS

Governance, Capacity Building, Resilience, Gender 

ORGANISATION(S)

Think City, Ministry of Environment and Water, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, City Council of Penang Island

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

Penang is situated in Southeast Asia which is projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be one of the three regions in the world to be hit the hardest by climate change. Penang is mostly susceptible to increasing temperatures, heatwaves and frequent extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall which leads to flooding. Several vulnerable communities in Penang include communities living in areas that are flood prone. The programme is a multilateral initiative that looks to enhance urban resilience and reduce human and ecosystem vulnerability to climate change impacts and extreme weather events through the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS). It also seeks to improve social resilience and build institutional capacity in collaborative efforts. The programme’s 4 components include the use of nature-based solutions for: a) reducing urban heat, b) improving the management of stormwater and flood mitigation, c) strengthening social resilience and d) building institutional capacity and a knowledge transfer platform. This is the first municipal climate adaptation programme to be developed in Malaysia. It is hoped that through the knowledge transfer platform this programme will be replicated and scaled up across other Malaysian cities. Click here to find out more.

RELEVANCE TO THE CALL TO ACTION ON SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

These examples have been chosen because of their relevance to the Call to Action, as shown by the direct quotes provided below. To view the Call to Action click here.

  • “Cities are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and where the impacts of climate change are experienced acutely.” 
  • “Sustainable urbanisation requires a commitment to good governance, integrated planning, effective service delivery together with fiscal and political empowerment.” 
  • “Sustainable urbanisation demands collective action – genuine multi-level governance – to empower, enable and support cities and their citizens.” 
  • “Universities, research, technology, innovation, and knowledge sharing will be at the heart of ensuring sustainable C&HSs of the future.”    

THIS EXAMPLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY

Think City: https://thinkcity.com.my/