Asia’s Largest Cities Face Climate, Demographic, and Urban Challenges

The major economic hubs of Asia—Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Dhaka—are facing an uncertain future as climate change, an ageing population, and unregulated growth threaten their resilience.

A recent report from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), titled “Urban Transformation in Asia and the Pacific: From Growth to Resilience,” warns that without prompt and inclusive measures, these issues could overload public services and escalate social and environmental conflicts.

UNESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana calls for a new urban model focused on equity and resilience to address these emerging challenges.

“The pathway to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development traverses through cities and across all human settlements—given that governments and stakeholders at every level can achieve their full potential,” Alisjahbana noted in her foreword.

The report emphasizes the intensifying effects of climate change, especially extreme heat and the “urban heat island effect,” which exacerbates living conditions for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income residents in informal settlements.

Nearly half of the heat-related fatalities globally occurred in Asia and the Pacific from 2000 to 2019.

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Various cities are already implementing innovative strategies for adaptation.

For example, to mitigate flood hazards in Shanghai’s flood-prone Pudong New District, local authorities have rolled out a real-time flood forecasting and warning system that covers over 1,200 square kilometers, utilizing weather forecasts and hydrological data to predict and respond to floods proactively.

Demographic changes add another layer of complexity to urban planning.

By 2050, the number of elderly individuals in Asia and the Pacific is expected to reach 1.3 billion, intensifying the need for cities to update their infrastructure and services.

However, many cities are not adequately prepared for the scale of this demographic shift.

Additionally, the rapid growth of informal settlements and slums presents further challenges.

With housing becoming increasingly unaffordable, many are forced into overcrowded and often unsafe conditions without official recognition or support, making them more vulnerable to extreme heat while receiving minimal assistance.

Despite these escalating challenges, cities hold significant promise.

UNESCAP emphasizes that these urban centers are crucial for achieving a sustainable future for all residents in Asia.

The report suggests that integrated urban planning, improved local data systems, and diversified funding are essential for building resilience, reducing inequality, and securing long-term growth.

It also calls for greater collaboration among nations and cities across the region—sharing knowledge, strategies, and resources to address common challenges more effectively.