The Urban Informal Sector and Climate Vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia's Megacities

By Sofiah Jamil
In the megacities of developing Southeast Asia, the informal sector plays an important role in supporting economic development. Yet, in discussions of the ramifications of climate-related natural hazards, this sector is often under-recognised. This NTS Alert notes that the sector, and the people working within it, is often disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate hazards. As such, cities that seek to address the economic risks and financial costs of such hazards must also improve the adaptive capacity and resilience of those in the sector. With low-income groups making up a major part of the sector, this would mean addressing issues that transect with those related to poverty. To that end, this NTS Alert examines initiatives in the region that address the vulnerabilities of the urban poor. [Read more] ...