Cities are often where people experience the impacts of climate change and of climate action, which can raise living costs and socio-economic inequalities.
In a series of local research cycles, IHRB is spotlighting eight cities, focusing on their built environment decarbonisation and resilience plans. This research series asks: how is each city minimising the negative social consequences of climate action, and maximising the positive impacts that built environment can have for inhabitants and the environment? And what are recommended actions from the government, investors, and the private sector?
IHRB has undertaken parallel research to compare the experience of two cities: Lagos in Nigeria, and Prague in Czechia.
Other cities in this series are: Lisbon and Melbourne, Copenhagen and Jakarta, Athens and Valparaiso.
The research summaries focus on four areas that relate to climate action in the built environment:
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the right to housing
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workers’ rights on site and through supply chains
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non-discrimination and spatial justice
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and the right to meaningful participation.
We are concerned about the impacts on the economy and people. I think that decarbonisation is a huge benefit; but it is hard to explain to people without more concrete information. Unions have been asking for impact assessments since 2020, and we still have nothing
- Research interviewee
The Building for Today and the Future project
These research summaries are part of The Building for Today and the Future project, which benefits from guidance and insights from its thematic partners including ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, Building and Woodworkers International, and the International Union of Tenants.
The Building for Today and the Future project is made possible with support from Laudes Foundation and Ove Arup Foundation.
Report authors
The Lagos summary report was researched and written by Oluwafemi Joshua Ojo, Durham University, and Alejandra Rivera, Global Programme Manager, IHRB Built Environment.
The Prague Summary report was researched and written by Michaela Pixová, BOKU University of Life Sciences and Natural Resources, Institute of Development Research. Alejandra Rivera, Global Programme Manager, IHRB edited and supervised its production.
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