13 - Summary and Policy Recommendations

Summary

The varied and contextual experiences of each Southeast Asian city in addressing climate challenges detailed in this compendium are all unique in their own ways. It may be difficult to generalize these experiences but the examination of these cities’ experiences in addressing climate change suggests three principles that are well worth bearing in mind for future research and policymaking.

First, understanding the implications of climate change at the local community level is essential. Cities often face financial, administrative, and decision-making constraints in implementing decisions that are adopted by national governments in international climate agreements. Yet non-state actors can and must play a critical role in helping national governments meet international obligations. Hence, it is critical for cities in the region to identify their most pressing needs and priorities to mobilize concerted actions.

However, cities in the region also have their unique adaptive capacity to manage various urban issues through their community cohesion, local networks, and localized knowledge. Throughout the years, these assets have provided Baguio, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Georgetown, and Hue with the capacity to moderate potential damage and cope with the consequences of natural hazards.

Second, urban planning and city governance play an essential role in shaping cities’ development agendas and embedding environmentally conscious practices in city-making. Through building codes, masterplans, spatial management, and organizational approaches between central, federal, provincial and local agencies, cities can push for new and innovative developments in building climate resilient infrastructure and creative funding to improve adaptation and mitigation actions. Multi-level governance and mutually reinforcing climate networks can form powerful approaches to dealing with complex issues.

Third, collaboration among and between different groups of stakeholders is vital to facilitate transformation. While it is true that national governments are expected to direct climate agendas in cities, they often have limited capacity, knowledge, and technical knowhow to identify solutions. The private sector’s support to invest in bankable projects for climate resilience, donors’ assistance in defining project phasing and resource mobilization, and civil society’s role in providing input on impact assessment will advance collaboration across disciplines and realize pragmatic solutions.

Climate change causes severe risks to ecosystems, human health, and urban growth.