Urban climate change and governance: Enhancing water sensitive planning practices through multi-level governance approach to optimise adaptation

Abstract

Most developing countries are expected to be at higher risks due to the growing impact of climate change. Because of these concerns, developing countries have already started searching for necessary actions. Local actors as drivers must enhance adaptation opportunities for long-term climate change responses. In addition, cities are viewed as integrating diverse elements such as natural resources, people, and other physical amenities. This study looks at incorporating water sensitive planning practices to enhance climate change impact adaptation. A collaborative institutional model recognised as locally operative and guided nationally could provide the mechanism for governing climate adaptation. The theory of Multi-level Governance is used as a framework for working up local, regional and national level policies, strategies and programmes. Colombo, Sri Lanka and Christchurch, New Zealand will be considered as case studies in undertaking this research process.