Examining the Challenges of Assessing Urban Resilience to Climate Risks in Urban Management

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Sosan Salajegheh
Assistant Professor, Department of Planning, Management, and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/eiat.2026.238714
Abstract
The extensive impacts of climate change are increasingly affecting human societies and ecosystems, with urban environments being particularly vulnerable. These impacts include a rise in the intensity and frequency of hazards such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and storms, which pose significant threats to cities as primary centers of population and economic activity. Addressing these risks requires not only preventive measures but also the development of robust adaptation strategies and the enhancement of urban resilience. Such resilience equips cities to effectively respond to disruptions, minimize damage, and sustain functionality and sustainability during crises. Urban resilience has emerged as a central concept in contemporary urban management, describing the capacity of cities to withstand, adapt to, and recover from both natural and human-induced crises. However, assessing urban resilience remains a complex challenge due to multiple factors, including the absence of a comprehensive and standardized definition, limited access to accurate and sufficient data, the inherent complexity and interdependencies of urban systems, and insufficient coordination among relevant institutions and organizations. This study examines these challenges and proposes strategies to enhance urban resilience to climate-related hazards. Key recommendations include leveraging advanced technologies for smart crisis management, strengthening social and infrastructural capacities, raising public awareness through education, and fostering improved cross-sectoral collaboration and integrated policymaking. The findings underscore that by addressing these obstacles and adopting holistic approaches, cities can enhance their resilience to current crises while improving preparedness for future challenges.
Keywords
Resilience
Urban Systems
Climate Hazards
Climate Change
Urban Planning
Subjects
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