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Climate change is resulting in higher temperatures and the problem of heat stress, which significantly affects urban population. Poor households living within low-income urban communities are disproportionately affected by these problems. This paper reports an investigation of coping strategies among residents in a low-income community within Lagos, Nigeria. The study utilised a mixed-method approach – community survey (sample size = 300 residents) and semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected residents. The survey data were analysed statistically, whereas content analysis was carried out on the interview transcripts. The findings indicate a range of personal/behavioural preventive and reactive strategies and building-related measures were utilised to address the challenge of increasing heat within the community. Notably, greening-related practices (for planting trees, cultivating gardens) did not rank high among the residents. They are willing to pay a modest amount towards greening and environmental features but not as much as housing modifications to enhance thermal comfort in the face of extreme heat. The study contributes to evidence of local coping strategies for heat exposure among disadvantaged urban residents, providing a pedestal on which heat adaptation initiatives can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among Asian countries, India has a vast potential to adopt a public bicycle-sharing system (PBSS) as a sustainable mode of transport after China. However, various barriers pose as hindrances in the implementation of PBSS in Indian urban areas. The primary objective of this paper is to identify and prioritise PBSS barriers, which inhibit the implementation of PBSS. For this study, a total of 31 barriers out of 41 reported barriers worldwide are shortlisted and ranked using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. A group of experts assisted in ranking the barriers by using a pair-wise comparison survey. The main contribution of this paper is to identify critical barriers and to rank them according to the Indian scenario. These findings can help practitioners, municipal engineers, urban planners and decision makers to formulate PBSS planning policy, which will overcome the PBSS implementation issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, putting years of progress in developing countries at risk. The emerging discourse at the international policy level calls for a 'resilience-based' response to climate adaptation and infrastructure planning. This paper reviews the relevance of resilience theory in the context of infrastructure in developing countries and finds that 'resilience thinking' offers a way to improve engineers' understanding of the adaptation needs of vulnerable communities. The paper develops a conceptual framework based on resilience thinking, and applies it to the case of a vulnerable coastal community in Honduras where primary fieldwork was undertaken to assess infrastructure planning. The analysis exposes the unintended consequences of traditional planning that exacerbates climate vulnerability and adversely impacts the long-term preparedness of vulnerable communities. Civil engineering scholars and practitioners concerned with sustainable development in developing countries may gain a superior understanding of climate adaptation by integrating resilience thinking into infrastructure planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding and the impact on the highway network is a major influence in the design and implementation of municipal emergency response and disaster relief planning. Worcestershire is a low-lying shire county in the UK West Midlands, bordered to the southwest by the Malvern Hills. Dissected by a number of major waterways, most notably the rivers Severn, Avon and Teme, and the Droitwich, Staffs and Worcester, Grand Union and Stratford upon Avon canals - a combination of both tidal and non-tidal waterways - the impact of prolonged inclement weather can have far-reaching effects on the effectiveness of the highway network and its ability to perform adequately. The year 2013 saw the worst rainfall since records began; this paper outlines actions taken to minimise disruption to the travelling public, methods of working and learning achieved to prepare for future occurrences in light of predicted climate change and its effect on weather patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of frequent extreme hot weather conditions, high-dense urban areas posed more life-threatening challenges. Such as university dormitories, as important residential spaces, have received very little attention. Moreover, how building arrangements can simultaneously impact internal and external environments remain poorly understood. To bridge this gap, student residential areas of Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang, China were considered as a case study, with the aim of optimal building arrangements that can simultaneously improve the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) and indoor sunlight (ISL). A combination of on-site measurement and numerical models were employed to simulate various scenarios with different building orientations, building heights and layouts. The result revealed that: first, the building orientation emerged as a dominant factor influencing both OTC and ISL, with the optimal value identified as SE-30°. Second, in the context of extremely hot weather conditions, increasing building height or floor-area ratio contributed to improved OTC. Finally, the building arrangement with inconsistent heights of north-to-south descending order, exhibited a notable reduction in hot outdoor spaces by 18.6%, and attributed to enhanced airflow. The findings provide clear guidelines for improved strategies at the detailed urban design scale, and can further contribute to the development of sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanisation intensifies worldwide, the associated increase in travel demand poses significant challenges to mitigate climate change. This study examines the implementation of travel demand management (TDM) strategies within the context of urban development, focusing on the case study of Seoul's green transport zone. Through a comprehensive analysis of transportation, environmental, health, spatial reorganisation and economic aspects, this research study demonstrates the effectiveness of TDM in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable urban growth. The findings highlight the importance of integrating TDM measures into urban planning efforts to achieve resilient and environmental-friendly transportation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water introduces both opportunities and risks to urban areas. Society is faced with the challenge of finding solutions to complex and interrelated problems such as living safely in densely populated deltas, planning ahead for climate change, finding alternatives to fossil fuels, and urban redevelopment. We need to make sure that all this is achieved in a sustainable way. This paper elaborates on the need to transition towards water-sensitive cities, drawing on the experience of urban water management and water-sensitive urban design in the Netherlands and the UK. This transition involves strengthening the integration of water in spatial planning and design processes, requiring any spatial intervention or new development to be evaluated on opportunities for sustainability and innovation. Design tools or building blocks are suggested that enable the transition to a city in which the awareness of water, energy, nature and living environment are connected, in which developments always take place in a resilient and climate-proof way, and where water can be a focus for enjoyment and vitality. The paper concludes with recommendations on how the UK can build on its own experience and learn from the Netherlands to achieve more water-sensitive urban design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the adverse effects of global warming and climate change is a critical issue. For the past 15 years the University of East Anglia has been addressing these concerns through a multi-pronged approach using technical means of low-energy building design, installing renewable energy sources, good energy management and raising awareness. Through good energy management, the university has been able to reduce the energy consumption of already low-energy buildings by as much as 50%. A large-scale building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) array has been installed along with on-site generation of heating, cooling and electricity via a 3 MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant and, recently, an adsorption chiller. In this paper, potential improvements in a more effective utilisation of PV electricity will also be discussed, as will future plans to reduce carbon emissions by installing further sources of renewable energy. The last part of this paper focuses on the CRed (Community Carbon Reduction) Programme established in 2003 and based at the university. The CRed programme takes up this challenge through innovative and integrated ways in promoting a low carbon economy and, in particular, promoting awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases accelerate global warming and contribute to further temperature increases. Global warming increases the likelihood of a shift towards more warm days and seasons and fewer cold days and seasons. Additionally, it causes changes in precipitation patterns. In earlier research, as ambient temperatures increase, cognitive performance decreases and the risk of crashing increases. Earlier, crash-frequency models were developed using various methodologies, but time-series crash-frequency prediction studies considering the effects of climate change are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between crashes and climate change using big data and to develop crash-frequency models using an econometric model and a deep-learning model. Econometric models use autoregressive-integrated moving average and autoregressive-integrated moving average with exogenous variable that are traditional time-series methodologies. Deep-learning models use long short-term memory. This study approached crash occurrence by comprehensively considering climate change and traffic factors. Also, it differs from earlier studies in detailing the influence of independent variables on crashes. Through the results, the impact of climate change on accidents can be identified and it can contribute as an engineering basis for improving traffic safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia the strongest natural fluctuation of climate from year to year is the El Niño southern oscillation. La Niña years are associated with an increased probability of wetter and cooler conditions, whereas El Niño years are drier and hotter then normal. For an urbanised coastal council such as Kogarah there are a number of impacts associated with climate change. For instance, the risk of flooding may be increased due to more intense rainfalls coupled with rising sea levels. Coastal councils may also experience increased coastal flooding and erosion due to increased storm surges and rising sea levels. Water restrictions are already in place due to severe droughts, and it is predicted that councils will have limited water supply available for the irrigation needed to provide parks and well-maintained sporting facilities for the community. Given that the science of climate change is not an exact science there are obvious technical and sociopolitical challenges to be addressed. This paper shares Kogarah Council's experiences in dealing with these challenges and provides a snapshot of programmes currently being implemented in response to climate change. By investing in proactive measure to reduce risk and vulnerability it is possible to build resilience to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME). It states that IFME is open to professional municipal engineers and public works professionals that aims to foster continued improvement in their quality of public works and community services. It offers information on the important issues discussed at the board meetings including the impact of climate change, sustainable management and provision of infrastructures.

There is much discussion about the contribution of transport to global warming, but what about the impact of our changing climate on transport modes, infrastructure and passengers? This paper examines the potential impacts of climate change on London's transport systems, based on the findings of a research study undertaken for the London Climate Change Partnership between 2004 and 2005. Recent extreme weather events have had significant impact on London's transport systems; for example, the effect of high temperatures on London Underground and major flooding of roads and railway stations. Scenarios of climate change show that London will experience hotter summers, wetter winters, more intense rainfall and a rise in sea level over the coming century. This poses a number of risks to the operation and use of transport systems in a city where 26 million trips are made every day. The study focuses on four case studies. Each case study assesses: the issue now, drawing on current weather-related effects; how climate change will affect the future; the action already underway in London to address climate impacts; and options and timescales for adaptation. It is apparent that most risks already exist—climate change will simply make them worse. With forward planning, successful and cost-effective adaptation can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the introduction of the national Climate Change Programme, initiatives that seek to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are now well established in the UK. However, there is increasing recognition that adaptation to some level of climate change will be necessary, even if a reduction in emissions is successful. This is inevitable as much of the predicted climate changes over the next 30-40 years have already been predetermined by past and present emissions of GHGs. Change is likely to be significant. Understanding what the risks are likely to be and how best to adapt to them is therefore central to any mature climate change strategy. However, the inevitable linkages between adaptation and mitigation measures represent a particular challenge. Focusing on the consequences of climate change for the urban environment (where most of the population is concentrated and where its impact is likely to be most keenly felt), this paper suggests preferred adaptation options and provides an evaluation of how these may act to reinforce or hamper mitigation efforts. For example, moves towards urban densification may contribute to the reduction of energy use, yet will have negative implications for adaptation. Having a better understanding of the synergies, conflicts and trade-offs between mitigation and adaptation measures would make a valuable contribution to a more integrated climate policy and the effective climate-proofing of our towns and cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on climatic changes and its likely consequences. It offers practical examples of good practice that can be used, and highlight the need for current decisions on infrastructure to plan for mitigation, adaptation, carbon reduction and reduced use of energy and water. The Institution of Civil Engineers has signed a "Protocol for Engineering: A Sustainable Future for the Planet," together with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers.

Natural hazards of river flooding, erosion, landslides and high sediment loads in streams and rivers continue to pose a significant threat to the management of infrastructure, particularly road transport, in most parts of the world. In Asia and Africa, especially, these hazards are considered to be on the increase in response to climate and land use-related factors. Recent studies in Africa and especially Ethiopia lead to the conclusion that complex and poorly understood interactions between geology, climate change and land use change have given rise to increased levels of damage and disruption to transport infrastructure. The prognosis for the future is that these trends will continue and perhaps accelerate. Current policies tend to focus on the 'proofing' of infrastructure against future climate change, possibly without due regard to other factors that may be more important in the short-medium term. This is possibly counterproductive in situations where existing and future risks are determined more by geohazard uncertainty and design deficiencies, and the sometimes overriding effects of land use change and land management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the issue related to carbon dioxide emissions and its effect on climatic changes. Policies focused on congestion reached a 12 percent reduction in the emissions of key traffic pollutants within a small congestion charge zone. When the effects of traffic reassignment and deferred carbon dioxide from low-emission vehicles are taken into account, the net contribution of the London CCZ has barely registered on the target scale of climate change mitigation.

As evidence of climate change increases, so too are the effects of weather events and climate variability on civil engineering projects becoming increasingly recognised and understood. The changes indicated by the UKCIP02 scenarios, for example, suggest a number of threats and opportunities for the built environment. The Ensembles project will develop an ensemble climate prediction system for use across a range of timescales (from seasonal to decadal and longer) and spatial scales (from global to regional and local). The outputs from this European Commission funded project will allow further development, within a probabilistic framework, of tailored scenarios for urban areas developed as part of the UKCIP/EPSRC Building Knowledge for a Changing Climate programme. Examples of these projections for London Heathrow are presented; they illustrate the uncertainties in projected changes in extremes for urban and other sites. Modelling work that indicates the importance of representing urban areas within climate simulations is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental importance of front gardens is examined in the context of climate change. Domestic front gardens help to absorb carbon dioxide, soak up rainfall and thus reduce flooding risks, provide open spaces for pleasant townscapes, protect biodiversity reserves and help conserve energy through shade and shelter. The continuing loss of front gardens is a result of increasing car ownership, off-street parking pressures, changes in garden fashion, wider lifestyle changes and perhaps also the absence in some cultures of any garden tradition. At a time of climatic uncertainty there are many positive ways in which a multi-purpose approach to front gardens can allow parking while retaining a green garden. The planning system is needed to ensure national awareness of the environmental importance of front gardens. The significance of their increasing loss and a multiple-use approach to alleviate the problems caused by current trends are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cases of extreme local weather conditions since the storms of October 1987 have served as reminders of some of the possible consequences of global warming, recently more usually, although less precisely, referred to as 'climate change'. Carbon dioxide emissions have been identified as the principal likely culprit and road traffic is the only major source from the UK which is increasing in amount. Local authorities may feel impotent to make a significant contribution to a solution, but example is a worthwhile motive. A local authority can contribute in several ways: implementation of improved vehicle technologies; adopting road speed limits and upholding them; promotion of driving styles which are more sensitive to their environmental effects and of improved vehicle maintenance; policies to change mode of travel and transport and to reduce the amount of travel by several means, including fuller use of vehicles. Many of the ways of reducing carbon dioxide discharges locally will have other environmental benefits. The implementation of cleaner travel lags behind the science to allow it; local authorities have an important role to play in reducing the gap. Average vehicle loadings are low, especially for personal travel; there is much scope for improved environmental performance, and for public transport there are issues relating to value for public spending. Reductions in the amount of travel can also contribute to several government policies relating to social exclusion, promotion of sustainable communities and supporting town centre activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local transport authorities have recently produced their second local transport plans. Government guidance covered technical and financial issues and set out a number of objectives and targets. Requirements included setting a target related to air quality and providing evidence of tackling climate change. AEA Technology were asked by Surrey County Council to advise on these issues and effective partnership working produced a new approach to assessing the impact of transport interventions on air quality. The core of the method is a relatively simple model, but the key to success is the development of links between measures (such as travel plans or bus quality partnerships) and the model parameters. The outcome is a process whereby the impact of such measures on the concentration of pollutants can be calculated. For example, traffic reduction measures (including travel plans) have been shown to be effective in reducing the concentration of nitrogen dioxide at critical locations in Spelthorne. A similar approach is used to calculate impacts on CO2 emissions and hence to assess the contribution to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]