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ecosystem. In this respect, it is observed that one effect of climate change on
cities is the loss in biosiversity and natural resources, and the ensuing losses in
economic activities (WEF, 2022b: 6, 10).
One indication to climate change is the globally reported temperature
rises (Stone vd., 2012: 264). Thus, the last seven years, for instance, have been
recorded as the hottest years ever. This situation creates new climate normal
(Carrington, 2022). As also reported in the IPCC 6th Assessment Report,
Study Group I Report, the effects of climate change will be felt more quickly,
frequently, and severely in the upcoming years (IPCC, 2021).
The recent changes recorded in extreme weather conditions and disasters
based on climate change are a clear indication of this fact. In the last 20
years, the structure of disasters has displayed variations. According to UN
figures, 90% of these disasters are related to climate change, and their
severity, number and frequency are increasing (UNDRR ve CRED, 2020: 8). It
is seen that the extreme weather conditions aggravated by climate change
already cause serious loss of life and property in the cities. One of the climate-
related extreme weather conditions, floods are the most common disaster
type, affecting 1600 cities and over 300.000 people worldwide. In the year
2019, floods and overflows led to $46 billion of financial loss and the death of
4500 people. According to the figures of the World Bank, 1,47 billion people
around the globe live in regions vulnerable to financial losses and deaths due
to floods, and 600 million of them live below the poverty line (WEF, 2022b: 10).
Due to the changes in the temperature and precipitation patterns, and
the melting of glaciers based on climate change, coastal cities are in great
danger, which should be dealt with as soon as possible. Due to the rise in
sea levels or extreme rain, these cities face the risk of floods and overflows
(WEF, 2022b: 10). 10% of the world population live in coastal regions just 10
m above the sea level. 40% of the global population, on the other hand, live
100 km away from the coasts (Lazer et al., 2019; UN, 2017). In the year 2050,
over 800 million people are estimated to be affected by the rise in sea levels
and coastal overflows (Boland et al., 2021: 6). This constitutes a great threat
for megacities as well. Megacities are cities with a population of 10 million
or above, and according to UN figures, the number of megacities, which
was 33 in 2018 will hit 40 in 2050. Today, these 33 megacities host 529 million
people. In a study by the UN, it was found out that compared to other types of
cities, megacities have a greater possibility of facing meteorological, climatic,
geological disasters. Thus, megacities are more vulnerable to the effects of
climate change and disasters, and it is inevitable that this will lead to higher
rates of death and financial loss (Gu, 2019: 12).

46 Journal of Environment, Urbanization and Climate,