Accelerating emergency preparedness for water-safe cities
Cities are building climate-adaptive water systems to protect affected communities
Water-related climate hazards cause 90% of global disasters. Cities need to manage daily issues from water scarcity and flooding. C40 research predicts that by 2050, over 7.4 million people in C40 cities will be at risk of flooding. This could cost cities USD 136 billion in GDP each year.
Droughts may add another USD 111 billion in annual losses. Cities control water infrastructure, emergency management, and urban planning. These tools can help reduce water-related risks. Cities can invest in early warning systems, green infrastructure, and water conservation policies, which will protect residents and build resilience against severe climate impacts.
The C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator brings together 20 cities. These cities aim to protect affected communities from flooding and drought by 2027. They’ll implement early warning systems and improve emergency response. The goal is to achieve water security, flood protection, or net-zero water systems by 2030-2035.
Why cities are prioritising emergency water preparedness
Climate change intensifies water extremes beyond current infrastructure capacity
Traditional water infrastructure was designed for historical weather patterns, but climate change creates more severe floods and longer droughts that exceed system capacity. Cities upgrading to climate-adaptive water management can handle these new extremes while older systems struggle.
Water disasters displace families and disrupt communities for months or years
Floods displace families and damage homes. Droughts leave many without reliable water, with children, older people, and those with poor health being the most vulnerable. Some cities face periods of too much and too little water at the same time. To tackle these root causes, cities are rethinking their water systems by investing in resilient utilities. They’re also setting up early flood warning systems and clear response plans to move people to safety, keep basic services running, and speed up recovery.
Affected communities face disproportionate water-related risks and impacts
Cities in low and middle-income countries are ten times more likely to be affected by flooding and drought than those in high-income countries. Cities can address these inequities through targeted emergency systems and water infrastructure investments prioritising the most at-risk populations.
Water-related disasters impose massive economic costs on city budgets and economies
Floods and droughts are costly, often requiring evacuations, temporary housing, and major repairs. By preparing in advance, cities can cut these expenses, limit damage to infrastructure, keep economies running, and protect public budgets.
Water emergencies cascade into health crises and social instability
Water disasters can lead to further health crises when drinking water is contaminated, sanitation breaks down, or medical services are disrupted. With robust emergency plans, cities can prevent outbreaks, maintain healthcare operations, and mitigate the risk of unrest when basic needs remain unmet.
What cities pledge through the C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator
C40 cities that join the C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator commit to protecting affected communities from water-related climate risks through emergency preparedness and strategic water management pathways.
Core commitment: Protect vulnerable communities by 2027
Cities will establish early warning systems in the most vulnerable areas facing high risk of flooding and drought, and develop emergency responses to protect all people during critical events, including safe shelters and the provision of basic needs.
Strategic pathway commitment: Choose a water security solution by 2030-2035
Cities will achieve at least one pathway: equitable universal access to clean water (20% demand reduction, 15% supply increase by 2030), flood protection for people and infrastructure (20% increased stormwater retention, restore three water bodies by 2030), or net zero water system emissions (100% renewable energy, 50% biogas capture by 2035).
Cities committed to the C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator
Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Copenhagen, Freetown, Fuzhou, Jakarta, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Milan, New Orleans, New York City, Oslo, Phoenix, Quezon City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Rotterdam, Tokyo, Tshwane
Questions about the C40 Water Safe Cities Accelerator?
Contact water@c40.org for information on commitment requirements, implementation strategies, and participating cities.
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