Synergies between climate change adaptation and mitigation in development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how cities at different stages of development each subject to its own challenges in adapting to climate change can manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Design/methodology/approach Case studies are undertaken for three cities: Amman, Jakarta and Dar es Salaam, including determination of GHG emissions and analysis of climate change data (where available) for each. Findings In Amman, the most climate‐sensitive municipal service is water; Jordan is exceptionally dry, and nearly 15 per cent of all electricity consumption is by the water authority. Jakarta has already experienced extreme flooding. The climate vulnerabilities associated with sea‐level rise are intensified by subsidence in parts of Jakarta. Alternating floods and droughts are climate impacts already experienced in Dar es Salaam. Droughts have impacted Tanzania's electricity infrastructure disrupting hydroelectricity production, requiring new natural gas infrastructure to maintain power, thereby increasing GHG emissions. Nonetheless, Dar es Salaam's GHG emissions at 0.56 t CO 2 e/cap are small compared to Amman and Jakarta at 3.66 and 4.92 t CO 2 e/cap., respectively. Originality/value Synergist development strategies, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation are suggested. In Amman an increased share of photovoltaic electricity production might be used for service provision, especially for energy needs surrounding water supply. Advanced slum upgrading in Jakarta could see relocation of the at‐risk poor to safe areas with energy efficient homes connected to public transit and decentralized, community‐based electricity generation. The focus in Dar es Salaam community‐based waste‐to‐energy facilities would reduce climate change impacts and vulnerabilities while addressing energy poverty in poor communities.