Introduction: Local Strategies and Actions in Response to Climate Change

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change should not merely be a voluntary measure that a few forward thinking and advanced cities take part in; rather, it should form part of the core responsibilities of all local governments out of concern for the future of society and the economy. While this has not yet become a reality in many cities, promising examples do exist. Some of these are presented in the following chapters in order to spell out more precisely the nature and extent of adaptation at the local level.