KUALA LUMPUR: Time is of the essence for countries, especially in the global south to take urgent action to mitigate the climate crisis and its impact, or risk facing deadly river flooding, along with more frequent and severe drought by 2050.
New research showed that if global warming continues unabated, 7.4 million people in the world's largest cities will be exposed to severe river flooding within the next three decades.
The study conducted by C40 Cities further revealed that damage to urban areas is expected to cost US$64 billion (RM281 billion) per year by 2050, even with current levels of global flood protection in place.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital with a population of more than eight million, is on the watchlist.
Recently, in December 2021, the four main rivers running through Kuala Lumpur hit dangerous levels, causing nearby rail lines to shut down and halting mobility across the city.
C40 Cities is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world's leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis.
Supported by the Grundfos Foundation, C40's analysis, entitled Water Safe Cities, leverages data from the network's nearly 100 member cities to forecast the potential impacts of global temperature rise on urban economies and infrastructure.
C40's research suggests that devastating river and coastal flooding will unleash enormous economic, health, and social consequences that will affect millions across the globe.
The study noted that while cities across the world are going to be affected by rising sea levels, populations in the global south are ten times more likely to be affected by flooding and drought than residents in the global north.
At the same time, residents of global north cities will face higher urban damage costs than residents of cities in the global south, it said.
It further shared that as many as 2,400 hospitals and healthcare facilities in C40 cities could be underwater by 2050, with nearly half of them in India.
The research underscores that the world's most vulnerable populations will increasingly find themselves on the front line of the climate crisis and are forced to endure its worst impacts.
It added that the five C40 cities with the largest amounts of riverine flooding are in South and Southeast Asia, but nearly all C40 cities are set to see a dramatic increase between now and 2050.
Sadiq Khan, Chair of C40 Cities and London mayor, said the climate emergency is one of the biggest global threats countries face today.
"Here in London, we are already experiencing first-hand the devastating impact of the climate crisis, with flash flooding last summer impacting homes, businesses, train stations, hospitals and bringing life in parts of the capital to a halt.
"This crisis also exacerbates social and racial injustices. The effects of the climate crisis doesn't impact citizens equally – we know that it's the most vulnerable - particularly those in the global south - that face the worst consequences of climate change.
"Poverty, deprivation and health inequalities will also reduce people's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding incidents," he was quoted as saying in a statement.
To address the climate emergency, Sadiq said mayors around the world need to create resilient cities that are adapted to the impacts of climate change including flooding.
"As Chair, I'm working closely with C40 mayors to take urgent action so that our cities are safer, greener and more prosperous for all."
C40's analysis shows how urgent action, such as using green solutions for water permeability and flood
"As Chair, I'm working closely with C40 mayors to take urgent action so that our cities are safer, greener and more prosperous for all."
C40's analysis shows how urgent action, such as using green solutions for water permeability and flood protection, improving water system efficiency and incorporating climate risk into urban planning can help cities to adapt to the climate emergency and work towards a climate-safe future for their residents.
Read more: DBKL embarks on long-term plan to resolve flash floods
Key findings from the study include river flooding is expected to cost C40 cities US$136 billion (RM599 billion) in GDP each year over the next three decades.
Besides that, the study found that more frequent and severe droughts will increase water losses in C40 cities by 26 per cent and will cost US$111 billion (RM488 billion) in damages per year by 2050.
Additionally, it said over 300 power stations across C40 cities are at risk of being flooded by 2050. More than half of the affected plants are located in US cities. The potential loss of energy from these stations would be sufficient to power 8.4 million US homes for one year.
C40 Cities executive director Mark Watts said sea level rise, flooding and drought are three of the most significant climate-related risks that cities face today.
"Cities have a wealth of tools and knowledge at their disposal to ensure that they are adequately preparing for the realities of the climate crisis, but effective action starts with an understanding of the scope and scale of the challenge.
"We look forward to working together with cities in our network in the coming months and years to ensure they can effectively respond to these growing threats," he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Read more: Putrajaya good example of 'sponge city' to avoid flooding
Following the study, C40 also announced that C40 mayors will collaborate over the next several years to make and deliver upon new, ambitious commitments aimed at protecting urban populations from flooding and drought.
Phase two of the Water Safe Cities project, supported by the Grundfos Foundation, it said will establish data-driven targets, indicators and implementation pathways to track cities' progress in mitigating these risks.
Grundfos Foundation executive director Kim Nøhr Skibsted said Grundfos' founder, Poul Due Jensen, strongly believed that anyone with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world had an obligation to do so.
"We have identified the challenges, and the solutions and technologies to fix them are already available.
"Now what is needed is to take action together. That is why the Grundfos Foundation is proud to partner with C40 Cities on the important work being done through the Climate Leadership Group."