India, April 24 -- Cities can adapt by creating new zoning regulations, restoring wetlands to protect against floods and planning green infrastructure

Cities cover just 3 per cent of the planet. But they emit 78 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions, absorb 80 per cent of final global energy (what consumers use) and consume 60 per cent of clean drinking water.

African megacities like Lagos, Nigeria (with 21 million residents) and Cairo, Egypt (with 10 million residents) are experiencing significant temperature increases due to the urban heat island effect and climate change.

Meelan Thondoo is a medical anthropologist and environmental epidemiologist who researches the health impacts of climate change in cities of fast-develop...