A new examination of policies has been carded out recently by Patricia Romero Lan. She is a sociologist specializing in climate change and 1 development. She warns that many of the world"s fast-growing areas, 2 in developing countries, will likely suffer from the impacts of changing climate. Her work also concludes that most cities are failing to 3 emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 4 These gases are known to have great 5 on the atmosphere. "Climate change is a deeply local issue and 6 profound threats to the growing cities of the world," says Romero Lan, "But too few cities are developing effective strategies to 7 their residents. "
Cities are 8 sources of greenhouse gases. And populations are likely to be among those most severely affected by future climate change. Lan"s findings highlight ways in which city-residents are particularly vulnerable, and suggest policy interventions that could offer immediate and longer-term 9 .
The locations and dense construction patterns of cities often place their populations at greater risk for natural disasters. Potential 10 associated with climate include storm surges and prolonged hot weather. Storm surges can flood coastal areas and prolonged hot weather can heat 11 paved cities more than surrounding areas. The impacts of such natural s can be 12 serious in an environment. For example, a prolonged heat wave can increase existing levels of air pollution, causing widespread health problems. Poorer neighborhoods that may 13 basic facilities such as drinking water or a dependable network of roads, are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Many residents in poorer countries live in substandard housing 14 access to reliable drinking water, roads and basic services.
Local governments, 15 , should take measures to protect their residents. "Unfortunately, they tend to move towards rhetoric 16 meaningful responses," Romero Lan writes, "They don"t impose construction standards 17 could reduce heating and air conditioning needs. They don"t emphasize mass transit and reduce 18 use. In fact, many local governments are taking a hands-off approach (不插手的政策)." Thus, she urges them to change their 19 policies and to take strong steps to pr the harmful effects of climate change 20 cities.