Urbanization, Climate Change, and Health

This book seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of the critical intersection between urbanization, climate change, and public health. As urban areas expand and face increasing pressures from environmental changes and population growth, there is a growing need for integrated approaches that address these intertwined challenges. This book aims to explore how urban planning, public health, and climate resilience can be aligned to create cities that are not only sustainable but also capable of supporting the well-being of their residents. Designed as a vital resource for urban planners, public health professionals, policymakers, environmentalists, and academics, this book offers insights into strategies for fostering urban environments that can adapt to climate-related challenges while enhancing public health. It covers a wide range of topics, including the design of resilient infrastructure, the creation of green spaces, sustainable urban mobility, and the role of governance and policy in promoting urban health. Additionally, this book emphasizes the importance of community engagement and ethical considerations in urban planning processes. The primary objective is to present a multidisciplinary approach to urban development that addresses the interconnected issues of climate change and public health. By integrating case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies, this book seeks to equip readers with the tools needed for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Ultimately, it aims to inspire the creation of urban spaces that are not only resilient and sustainable but also inclusive and health-promoting, ensuring that cities can thrive in the face of future challenges.

Dr. Abdulaziz Almulhim is an Associate Professor of Urban Sustainability at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, within the College of Architecture and Planning. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a Master’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver, USA. Dr. Almulhim’s research focuses on urban sustainability and climate change. He has published numerous articles in high-impact international journals and contributed to several book chapters. In addition to his scholarly work, he serves as a reviewer and guest editor for several reputable international journals and is also an Associate Editor for distinguished journals. He is currently serving as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (2027).

Professor Dr. Walter Leal Filho holds the Chair of Environment and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and is Head of the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management” at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany. He has over 400 publications authored/edited books, book chapters, and papers published in refereed journals. He is Lead Author at AR6´s Working Group II (Climate Change Adaptation) at the IPCC, Founding Editor of the International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management and heads the International Climate Change Information and Research Program. He serves on the editorial board of various journals.

Ayyoob Sharifi is Professor at the IDEC Institute, Hiroshima University. He also is Core Member of the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS). His research is mainly focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Ayyoob actively contributes to global change research programs such as the Future Earth has served as a lead author for the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ultimate goal of his education and research activities is to inform actions toward building sustainable and peaceful communities.