There is evidence that the built environment contributes significantly to climate change and is also significantly affected by it.
However, a recent study in South Africa by Jan Hugo and Chrisna du Plessis, both lecturers at the University of Pretoria, suggests that there is an opportunity for cities to adapt to climate change and reduce its effects on people.
The research explores the potential for cities to adapt to climate change by finding new uses for unused or underutilised spaces. Based in a neighbourhood of Pretoria (Tshwane), one of South Africa’s main cities, it suggests there are a number of opportunities for individual building owners and community groups to lower their exposure to climate change impacts by adding shading, growing food or generating renewable energies in these spaces.
