The newly released United Nations report on the bleak future presented by global warming, coupled with recent natural disasters in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines, as well as the Untied States, has catalyzed reflection on the intimate relationship between urban resilience and environmental sustainability. Resilience, as  defined by the 100 Resilient Cities organization, is "what helps cities adapt and transform in the face of these challenges, helping them to prepare for both the expected and unexpected." This Urban Weekly edition will spotlight how cities across the world are, or are not, building resilience to expected and unexpected disasters and climate change.

Eight of the top 10 cities most vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters are in Asia. In megacities, like Tokyo, Jakarta, and Guangzhou, environmental degradation, unrestricted urbanization, and the increased strength and frequency of typhoons mean disasters could devastate the economy and population.  Impoverished inhabitants on urban and rural outskirts are especially vulnerable. According to CityLab  contributor Linda Poon , Japan has markedly improved its resilience, emergency preparedness, and climate adaptation. Strict building codes, mass evacuation advisories, real-time storm updates, and even a  typhoon-powered turbine  in Japan may provide a regional and global example of environmental resilience. 

As Poon pointed out, "less affluent Asian nations" lack the capacity of Japan to invest in disaster resilience. Nonetheless, leaders in other Asian nations are paying attention. Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho reflected on the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia that killed 2,000 people last month: "We should not forget that there will be many disasters to come....We need to learn from Japan as they are consistent in preparation."