Abstract
Poor electricity supply is a dismal feature of densely populated cities. Within especially developing countries (DCs), this situation prompts consideration for human intervention, such as the use of candles, lanterns and stand-by generators, all of which are major drivers of climate change by the emission of CO (Carbon II Oxide) into the atmosphere. Evidently, the adverse climatic effects such as flooding, hurricane and urban heat—have set-forth extant academic debates. Still, adaptation in densely populated cities within the DCs is surrounded by many uncertainties. This study answers the most fundamental question which is: how are people living in densely populated cities able to adapt to the climate risk induced by using alternative electricity sources? Grounded on the theory of resource-based view (RBV), the study integrates strategic planning techniques into climate risk adaptation, through a survey conducted around three most populated locations in Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. The results indicate a good knowledge of climate change within the area, although the level of public participation in urban development efforts and climate change adaptation remained poor. We argue that much improvement in awareness and compliance to climate risk adaptation will occur in the DCs if more people are involved in the strategic policy and planning process. This study thus reinforces the existence of climate risk in the area, enables increased public participation in policy formulation, simplifies the present complex process in the delivery of urban development goals, and supports achieving the goal of building a society resilient to climate risk.
Highlights
Access to reliable electricity and other urban services is fundamental to the efficient functioning of urban centers
The results indicate a good knowledge of climate change within the area, the level of public participation in urban development efforts and climate change adaptation remained poor
We argue that much improvement in awareness and compliance to climate risk adaptation will occur in the developing countries (DCs) if more people are involved in the strategic policy and planning process
Summary
Access to reliable electricity and other urban services is fundamental to the efficient functioning of urban centers. Due to poor management, sporadic catastrophes, obsolescence, and notorious vandalisation of energy infrastructure, the main grids are usually affected, leading to temporary or total interruption of electricity supply. This situation is common in many places, it seems more pronounced in poor localities where the response to infrastructural mal-function is often not immediate, and blackouts may linger to longer periods, causing widespread hysteria, frustration and economic disruptions (Pineau, 2008). Lack of access to reliable electricity drives many urban residents in especially poor localities to source for immediate alternatives which constitute major concerns for global climate change (Bazilian et al, 2011; Nkwunonwo & Mafimisebi, 2013; Jakob et al, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
