How cities can strengthen climate resilience through people and systems
August 27, 2025
Building resilient cities isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about a people-first, systems-thinking approach. This project, drawing on over a decade of experience in Asian cities, reveals how combining “hard” investments like flood control with “soft” interventions like community engagement and training creates lasting change. Data-driven, community-led projects empower residents and build stronger urban environments.
A major gap exists between the resources needed for climate adaptation and the funding currently available. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates an annual shortfall of $253-387 billion in adaptation finance by 2030. From 2017 to 2021, studies reveal that only 17% of global adaptation finance reached local communities.
If you’re designing a project or intervention-whether you’re a planner, city leader, or development partner-ask yourself: “How can I design projects that directly support the people and communities most affected by climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, floods, extreme heat, or drought?”
This article presents key insights and reflections from over a decade of work promoting resilience in Asian cities through the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (2013-2025). These lessons continue to guide efforts under its successor, the Urban Resilience Trust Fund (2023-2031).
This achievement by the Ministry of Finance marks vital progress in bridging the ‘adaptation gap’ – the vast difference between the resources needed to build resilience to climate change and what’s currently available. Led by the Ministry of Finance, this work was supported by the UNDP-led Climate Finance Network.
