Climate Resilience in Urban Food Systems: Adaptive Practices in Coastal Megacities

Abstract:

Coastal megacities, as hubs of human population and economic activity, are increasingly at the forefront of climate change impacts, with their urban food systems standing as critical yet vulnerable components of urban infrastructure. The escalating climate risks—encompassing sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, extreme temperature events, and erratic precipitation patterns—pose severe threats to the stability and security of these food systems. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of adaptive practices in four major coastal megacities: Lagos, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Shanghai. By delving into the unique contexts of each city, the study aims to identify context-specific strategies that enhance food system resilience.

Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines rigorous vulnerability assessments, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and longitudinal monitoring of adaptive interventions, the research analyzes 16 key practices categorized into infrastructure adaptations, agronomic innovations, and governance mechanisms. The results reveal substantial variability in the effectiveness of these practices across different urban settings. For instance, floating agricultural systems in Shanghai have proven remarkably successful, reducing flood-related crop losses by 53%. In Lagos, the adoption of heat-resistant crop varieties has enabled farmers to maintain 70% of their yield during extreme temperature events. Barcelona’s implementation of urban agriculture zoning policies has led to a 40% increase in farmland protection, safeguarding critical food production areas.

A striking finding is the significant role of social acceptance, with community-led initiatives achieving 37% higher adoption rates compared to top-down interventions, underscoring the importance of local engagement in successful adaptation. Building on these insights, the study proposes a comprehensive framework for climate-resilient urban food systems that integrates technological adaptations with inclusive governance. This framework emphasizes the necessity of place-based solutions, tailored to the specific hazard profiles and socioeconomic conditions of each coastal megacity. These findings not only contribute to the global academic discourse on urban food security and climate adaptation but also provide actionable guidance for policymakers, urban planners, and food system stakeholders striving to strengthen urban food systems in the face of a changing climate.