In the heart of Ghana’s bustling city of Kumasi, Charles K. K Sekyere, a researcher from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has been delving into a pressing global issue: urban climate change. His recent study, published in the journal ‘Nature-Based Solutions’ (translated as ‘Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza’), offers a comprehensive look at how research in this field has evolved over the past two decades and where it might be heading.
Cities, as we know, are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 60–75% of the total. They are also on the frontlines of experiencing the impacts of climate change, from urban heat islands (UHI) to extreme weather events. Sekyere’s research, which analyzed 489 Scopus-indexed publications from 2004 to 2024, reveals an exponential growth in publications on urban climate change, with an annual rate of 21.84%. This surge, Sekyere notes, is largely driven by post-2015 climate agreements.
The study identifies six key clusters of research: UHI dynamics, governance and equity, nature-based solutions (NbS) integration, infrastructure resilience, sectoral adaptations, and regional inequalities. “While motor themes like urban adaptation and UHI dominate, we’ve also identified niche areas that need more attention, such as health impacts and urban climate resilience,” Sekyere explains.
One of the most compelling findings is the persistent geographic inequity in research representation. Despite their high vulnerability, African and Latin American cities are underrepresented in the current body of knowledge. This gap, Sekyere argues, underscores the need for more inclusive, equity-focused research.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The shift towards nature-based solutions and the emphasis on governance and equity could significantly impact urban energy strategies. As cities strive to become more resilient and sustainable, there’s a growing need for innovative, inclusive solutions that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
Sekyere’s research also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and South-South cooperation. By fostering these partnerships, we can better understand and address the unique challenges faced by cities around the world.
In the words of Sekyere, “This review calls for equity-focused, interdisciplinary, and South-South collaborations to better inform inclusive, resilient urban climate strategies.” As we look to the future, these collaborations could shape the development of more sustainable, resilient cities, ultimately benefiting the energy sector and beyond.
The study, titled “Mapping urban climate change research: Insights from 20 years of global research trends, thematic evolution, and future perspectives,” offers a valuable roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals navigating the complex landscape of urban climate change.