By 2050, close to 65% of the world population will live in cities and urban areas. Many of these play a vital role in the global economy. Coastal cities, such as those across the Caribbean and South Florida, are also often the most susceptible areas to natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding, the latter two occurring with an increased frequency because of sea-level rise and warming waters in the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. Making coastal cities resilient to failures stemming from such natural disasters is thus an essential societal need. Papers and presentations in this session are encouraged to investigate the role of urban codes, policies, planning, and design, drawing on the lessons of urban thinkers, leaders, and practitioners in South Florida and the Caribbean responding to the unique challenges cities are facing in the wake of climate change.
