Urban resilience
For most of humanity the future involves living in cities. But to do so safely, urban communities need to be prepared for, and resilient to, the increasing and changing shocks they face.
The future is urban
Cities have long attracted people seeking opportunities, and today, the global urban population grows by 1.4 million weekly. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population is projected to live in cities. Without proper urban planning, this rapid growth will increase the number of people vulnerable to disasters, diseases, and climate change, with the poorest communities facing the greatest risks due to their limited resources and location in high-risk areas.
Unplanned urbanization also poses challenges for authorities and humanitarian organizations in disaster response and recovery. Urban hazards often create cascading effects, such as floods leading to power outages. Cities, with their densely packed populations, face increased competition for resources, and their complex infrastructure—like water, sanitation, and transport systems—leaves residents highly dependent and vulnerable when these systems fail. Coordination among multiple stakeholders is crucial to managing these risks.
What are we doing?
Volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross mobilize to help people displaced from an urban neighbourhood by severe flooding.
Photo: Myanmar Red Cross
The IFRC and our member National Societies are helping urban communities worldwide be more prepared for, and resilient to, increasing and changing hazards. This includes hazards such as heat waves and urban floods, which are actually deadlier in cities than in rural areas.
Through our thousands of urban branches and millions of volunteers within cities, we're responding to urban disasters and supporting urban recovery efforts.
Working together in urban areas
This work of art for Heat Action Day shows a young boy standing up to a towering, robotic alien that represents extreme heat and is emitting red and orange heat waves.
Photo: Andrew Rae/Ruskin Kyle/ Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre
By working together with governments, communities, development actors, the private sector and academia, we're helping foster sustainable, green and inclusive urban development so we can live together safely in our urban future.
In 2022 the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adopted the Resolution Strengthening the resilience of urban communities: Our way forward.
The Resolution commits RCRC Movement members to strengthen partnerships with key urban stakeholders and scale up sustainable, community-driven approaches to build resilience.
The paper Strengthening the Auxiliary Role at Municipal Level: Our Way Forward accompanies the resolution and summarizes the key findings and recommendations of a dedicated Working Group. It is informed by case studies from the American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Nepal Red Cross and Nigerian Red Cross, showcasing practical approaches to strengthening the auxiliary role to reduce risks in cities.
Watch: Cool Horizons: Enhancing Neighbor-to-Neighbor Extreme-heat Solutions in 50 Cities
Watch: Urban resilience and preparedness
Read our latest documents about resilience and risk reduction
Jamaica Red Cross Hurricane Melissa Recovery Strategy: Rebuilding Futures, Strengthening Communities
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Global Climate Resilience Fund
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Forced to flee in a changing climate—Executive Summary
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Urban Collaborative Platform 2024 Conference Report
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