The chapter discusses urban physical infrastructure (UPI) which is a complex set of systems and networks that provide vital services to a city. UPI is vulnerable to climate change (CC) impacts, and on the other hand can help cities to adapt to CC. The analysis focuses on CC adaptation options of physical components of infrastructure: sewer conduits, bridges, flood barriers, electricity poles, and the like. UPI characteristics and development trends (interconnectivity, interdependence, convergence, sustainability, efficiency, vulnerability, resilience, critical elements, evolution, and flexibility) have been considered in the CC adaptation context. The chapter concludes that extreme weather events represent a major threat to UPI worldwide in the short and long term. Key recommendations for UPI CC adaptation were identified as: (1) early consideration of UPI adaptation in spatial development plans; (2) allowing UPI flexibility and considering the infrastructure development trends during planning and design proc
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGlobal Change, Energy Issues and Regulation Policies, Integrated Science & Technology Program 2
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages308., 77-102
ISBN (Print)978-94-007-6661-7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

    Research areas

  • Adaptation City planning Climate change Critical infrastructure Urban physical infrastructure

ID: 4625849