The world's 100 most populated cities are becoming
increasingly exposed to flooding and drought, according to new research.
Charity WaterAid worked with the University of Bristol and
Cardiff University on a study using data on climate hazards.
The research found that 17% of the cities studied were at
risk from "climate whiplash" where drought and flooding has become
more intense.
Prof Katerina Michaelides, lead scientist from the
University of Bristol, said: "The findings from our study illustrate just
how differently and dramatically climate change is expressing around the globe
– there is no one-size-fits-all."
The study compared each city's social and water
infrastructure vulnerabilities – such as poverty and waste systems – alongside
more than 40 years worth of data on climate hazards.
Researchers then aimed to identify which cities could be the
most vulnerable to extreme climate changes and the least equipped to handle
them.
The study also showed that 20% of the 100 cities had seen a
change, at one time experiencing one extreme, now facing another.
In the last four decades, their research showed that cities
including London, Madrid and Paris had become increasingly dry, while in Sri
Lanka's capital Colombo, and Lahore in Pakistan, they are now having more
severe floods.
Prof Michaelides said the data could help city leaders make
decisions.
"A deeper understanding of localised climate hazards
can support more intelligent and bespoke planning in major cities," she
added.
Cities in Africa and Asia are most at risk of climate shifts
which can impact clean water supplies, according to the study.
WaterAid said the report had come at a time when major
nations had been reducing or rediverting international aid funds.
Tim Wainwright, WaterAid UK's chief executive said:
"We're seeing a sweep of global aid cuts, which could leave basic human
rights hanging in the balance.
"Floods and droughts are stripping away people's
foundation of survival – water.
"Communities can recover from disaster, stay healthy
and be ready for whatever the future holds. It all starts with clean
water."
