Urban resilience against environmental disasters: Comparing Lagos and New York

Abstract

Urban resilience against environmental disasters is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, particularly in megacities like Lagos and New York, which face diverse environmental challenges. This review examines the comparative analysis of urban resilience strategies in Lagos, Nigeria, and New York City, USA, focusing on their responses to environmental disasters. Both cities encounter distinct environmental hazards, including flooding, hurricanes, and heatwaves, albeit within different socio-economic contexts. Lagos, Africa's most populous city, grapples with rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and informal settlements, exacerbating its vulnerability to environmental disasters. In contrast, New York City, a global financial hub, confronts challenges posed by its dense urban fabric, aging infrastructure, and coastal exposure. Despite differing contextual factors, both cities strive to enhance their resilience through various strategies. Lagos employs a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches, emphasizing community engagement, early warning systems, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risks. Initiatives such as the Lagos State Resilience Strategy and the implementation of green infrastructure projects signify efforts to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability. Conversely, New York City adopts a multifaceted approach, integrating policy frameworks, technological innovations, and community-based initiatives to bolster resilience. Post-Hurricane Sandy, the city launched the "OneNYC" plan, emphasizing infrastructure upgrades, coastal protection measures, and climate adaptation strategies to withstand future shocks. Comparative analysis reveals both convergences and divergences in urban resilience strategies. While Lagos prioritizes grassroots involvement and low-cost solutions, New York emphasizes institutional coordination and investment in resilient infrastructure. Challenges persist in both contexts, including funding constraints, governance issues, and socio-economic disparities, underscoring the need for holistic and inclusive resilience frameworks. Understanding the nuances of urban resilience in diverse contexts can inform policy interventions and best practices transferable across cities globally. By examining the experiences of Lagos and New York, this review contributes to the discourse on building resilient cities capable of navigating environmental uncertainties and safeguarding the well-being of urban populations.