What they do
The Resilient Cities Network connects nearly 100 cities across 40+ countries working on urban resilience: the ability of cities to survive, adapt, and grow despite chronic stresses (sea level rise, heat, inequality) and acute shocks (floods, pandemics, economic crises). Member cities develop and share resilience strategies covering infrastructure, social cohesion, economic diversity, and governance.
Why they matter
Resilience is the complement to mitigation. Even with aggressive emissions reductions, cities face unavoidable climate impacts from warming already locked in. The Resilient Cities Network ensures that adaptation planning happens alongside mitigation, preventing cities from being caught unprepared. Their approach integrates climate resilience with social equity, recognizing that vulnerable populations bear the greatest burden of climate impacts.
How to support
Advocate for your city to develop a formal resilience strategy using the network's frameworks. Access free resilience tools and case studies. Connect with your city's Chief Resilience Officer (if one exists).
Key project to explore
The network's resilience strategy framework has been implemented by 100+ cities, producing comprehensive plans that address both climate risks and social vulnerabilities in an integrated approach.