David Satterthwaite, a leading expert on human settlements and one of the two coordinating lead authors of the urban chapter in the IPCC report, told IRIN the report's message for urban centres in developing countries is: "Good development provides the basis for climate change adaptation both in the sense of resilient infrastructure (piped water, drains, all-weather roads) and better quality houses... Providing these, also develops the institutional and financial base for climate change adaptation."
Urban centres in developing countries often have to make difficult decisions on how much expenditure to allocate to development versus climate change adaptation, but the report's authors say a successful balance can be achieved with clear policy direction, committed and informed staff, knowledge, and of course money.
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