Slum Upgrading is Climate Action Experience and Insights from the Global South
Cities Alliance
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Abstract: Slum Upgrading is Climate Action: Experiences and Insights from the Global South is a position paper published by Cities Alliance in collaboration with Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The paper emphasizes that community-led slum upgrading is a vital form of climate action, particularly in the Global South. It highlights how organized urban poor communities are implementing upgrading projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and services, thereby enhancing community resilience to climate change. The report advocates for data-driven, risk-informed, and co-produced approaches that are socially responsive and integrated. It underscores the effectiveness of locally led climate action, which is more inclusive, efficient, and just. Additionally, the paper discusses the need for fit-for-purpose finance and the opportunity to scale successful initiatives by blending different financing mechanisms. The publication serves as a call to recognize and support the role of slum upgrading in achieving climate resilience and sustainable urban development.