Radical Adaptation

‘Radical Adaptation brings a global perspective to our engagement with the reality of climate change in everyday life. In this insightful and carefully researched book Stone explores a series of emerging intersections between climate, infrastructure, and contemporary cities.’ Matthew Gandy, University of Cambridge

‘Professor Stone has written a magnificently clear text outlining the most critical current impacts of climate change on cities (heat, drought, sea level rise, and flooding) and plausible solutions. With expert synthesis, he presents complex scientific information in understandable, jargon-less language, providing brilliant insight into current conditions, future threats, and adaptation options. This book is a must-read for anyone engaged in urban infrastructure and planning and climate adaptation and anyone interested in how climate change is altering our lives.’ Peter J. Marcotullio, Director, CUNY Center for Sustainable Cities, Hunter College

‘This book describes the many ways the climate crisis impacts on us now in our homes, neighbourhoods and livelihoods and the most effective do-able measures to address these. What makes it special is the interweaving of detailed city case studies with a general text (also detailed) and historic examples.’ David Satterthwaite, International Institute for Environment and Development and Visiting Professor, University College, London

‘Cities are in a constant state of becoming, and now climate change is forcing societies to even more dramatically reimagine how cities are built, and how people live in them. In response, Radical Adaptation provides a compelling eye-level and planning-based narrative on the pathways and possibilities that lie ahead for urban spaces and residents. As a solutions-focused book, it details the story of how positive transformative change is within our own grasp, and that the cumulative impact of small and discrete steps, even against rising challenges, can become the rebuilding that is needed to create more resilient, sustainable and equitable communities.’ William D. Solecki, Hunter College, City University of New York

‘Cities are at the forefront of climate change. Professor Stone provides a compelling account of how past infrastructure choices in cities interact with extreme weather and climate events being increasingly fueled by climate change to affect the health and well-being of residents. Focusing on high ambient temperature and water (too much or too little), Professor Stone provides interesting, illustrative, and evidence-based stories of current impacts in cities associated with changing weather patterns; and demonstrates how timely, practical, and urgent investments in re-engineering infrastructure would increase resilience to additional climate change.’ Kristie L. Ebi, University of Washington

‘In Radical Adaptation, Stone tackles head on the critical challenge of adapting our cities to climate change. His experience provides new and hopeful insights into what this transformation might look like and where our greatest opportunities lie.’ Sara Hughes, Professor, University of Michigan

‘… an informative and carefully argued assessment of how cities can reduce the burdens of climate change. … Recommended.’ R. A. Beauregard, CHOICE

‘In mapping out what is possible (and already happening in many places), this eloquent and well-researched book is essentially a hopeful one. By taking the necessary steps to adapt to climate change, we are also (literally) planting the seeds of a more inclusive and resilient city but also one that is beautiful.’ Timothy Beatley, Journal of the American Planning Association