Partner: Cities Race to Resilience
Countries and regions: Cape Town (South Africa), Makati (Philippines), Daegu (Republic of Korea), Segamat (Malaysia), Palmas (Brazil)
SAA systems: Human settlements; water and waste management

As climate risks intensify, cities are being forced to confront the mounting pressures of waste and water management. Ageing infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and shifting weather patterns are pushing local governments to find smarter, more sustainable solutions. Across the world, cities are responding with integrated strategies that combine engineering, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to protect public health and strengthen resilience.

This article provides a glimpse into how cities participating in Race to Resilience partner initiative, Cities Race to Resilience are taking action – ranging from landfill gas recovery in South Africa to sustainable drainage systems in Brazil – to manage waste and water more effectively in a changing climate.

Waste management

u is a critical part of creating healthier, more resilient cities. Local governments are exploring a range of approaches including waste-to-energy, recycling, composting, and better coordination with communities.

• Makati (Philippines) is working on projects to improve water supply and distribution, which contribute to wastewater and sanitation efforts. The city’s Information & Community Relations Department (ICRD) notifies residents of temporary water service interruptions during infrastructure maintenance, helping households prepare and adapt. These system upgrades aim to improve long-term reliability.

• Daegu (Republic of Korea) is expanding resource recovery projects that include incinerating waste to produce heat energy, developing pre-treatment facilities, promoting green consumption, composting food waste, and increasing wastewater reuse. A landfill gas recovery project is also underway at the Bangcheon-ri sanitary landfill.

• Cape Town (South Africa) is implementing a landfill gas flaring and electricity generation project, part of its Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Programme of Activities under the UNFCCC. Infrastructure has been installed at three landfill sites to capture and flare methane, reducing emissions and generating carbon credits.

Water management

Access to safe, reliable water and protection from flood risks are essential to urban resilience. Cities are adopting both nature-based and engineered solutions to strengthen water systems and prepare for future climate impacts.

• Segamat (Malaysia) is developing a flood management and response plan, addressing risks from its low-lying location near the Sungai Muar and Sungai Segamat basins. The plan includes prevention, preparedness, emergency response, and long-term mitigation measures, combining traditional systems with community engagement to reduce flood-related losses.

• Palmas (Brazil) has launched the “Sustainable Drainage” project to reduce flood risk by capturing and slowing rainwater runoff. The project includes building small containment basins in public spaces such as roundabouts and parks. These basins support water absorption, erosion control, and natural filtration, while also contributing to urban biodiversity and environmental education. Captured water can be reused for irrigation, emergency hydrants, or aquifer recharge.

• Cape Town (South Africa) is working towards becoming a water-sensitive city, as outlined in its Water Strategy. This approach includes diversifying water sources, improving infrastructure, and making better use of stormwater and urban waterways for flood control, aquifer recharge, and recreation. In 2024, the city will develop a Water Sensitive City Plan with technical assistance through the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Planning programme, informed by global best practices.

About Cities Race to Resilience

Cities Race to Resilience supports local governments in showcasing climate adaptation efforts and contributes to global discussions on resilience. The initiative highlights the importance of addressing climate impacts alongside emissions reductions. In 2024, data from 127 cities was submitted via the CDP-ICLEI Track and is available on CDP’s Open Data Portal to support learning and collaboration.

Local governments interested in joining the initiative can contact:
racetoresilience@iclei.org or lea.busch@cdp.net