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Climate Change and Livability: A Systematic Review of Adaptation Strategies and Policy Challenges

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  • Rajani Shakya
  • Smita Khan

Abstract

Climate change impacts urban livability, but research on its effects and adaptations is incomplete. This review examined 94 studies (2008–2024) according to PRISMA across five databases. Thematic synthesis was applied to data regarding stressors, affected areas, socioeconomic influences, and adaptation methods. Extreme temperatures and heatwaves were the predominant stressors (53.19%), followed by floods (18.08%) and air pollution (11.07%). Public health (37.23%), agriculture (15.95%), and infrastructure (6.38%) were the primary domains affected. Vulnerability was closely associated with socioeconomic factors like inequality, urban density, and governance capacity (60%). Adaptation strategies were categorized into environmental (26.59%), technological (24.46%), social (18.08%), urban planning (14.89%), economic (19.14%), and governance (23.34%) actions. Although green infrastructure and early warning systems showed potential, their effectiveness was hindered by fragmented implementation and unequal resource distribution. Research offers new insights by categorizing adaptation strategies across sectors, pinpointing regional and methodological deficiencies, and integrating climate stressors, vulnerability, and resilience pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajani Shakya & Smita Khan, 2026. "Climate Change and Livability: A Systematic Review of Adaptation Strategies and Policy Challenges," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 1282-1308, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:1282-1308
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70242
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