Explaining urban communities’ adaptation strategies for climate change risk: novel evidence from Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Rapid and unplanned urbanization in modern times poses significant threats to both urban communities and the environment. Developing countries, due to limited resources, often struggle to develop eco-friendly cities, and urbanites within these countries, who come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, may lack the necessary awareness and resources to adapt to climate change independently. This study aims to shed light on climate change adaptation strategies adopted by Pakistan's urban population. Specifically, this study seeks to identify how urbanites cope with climate change and which segments of society require support in dealing with this issue. To achieve this objective, this study surveyed 450 urbanites in Rawalpindi, an unplanned city. Employing Heckman's Treatment effect model, the study analyzed the respondents' age, income, occupation, and education to determine their adaptation strategies. The findings revealed that education (coefficient 0.398) and income (coefficient 0.00767) positively influenced urbanites' adoption of the relevant adaptation strategies. Urbanites tend to use available adaptation strategies when their perceptions are based on reliable information regarding temperature and rainfall patterns. However, a lack of resources can significantly reduce the adaptive capacity and resilience of urban areas. The study also highlights considerable disparities in households' financial, personal, physical, social, and natural capital across different union councils. Governments can therefore play a crucial role in supporting the adoption of strategies related to these resources. Finally, this study suggests practical approaches to harness the potential of planned urbanization to support climate change adaptation activities and overcome current risks and constraints.