LSE and PAN Publish Global Agenda for Equity-Driven Climate Resilience Ahead of COP30

Amid overlapping global crises such as climate change, pandemics, and conflict, experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive resilience agenda that prioritizes systems performance, human security, and equity. A new framework called 3A+—Anticipate, Absorb, Adapt, and Advance Equity—aims to guide governance and investments for building stronger, inclusive, and sustainable systems, particularly in climate finance and national adaptation plans. Urban areas, such as cities in Punjab, Pakistan, face intensified environmental degradation and heightened vulnerability due to rapid unplanned urbanization, necessitating climate-smart financial planning, governance reforms, and nature-based solutions. Educational initiatives like Duke University's Climate & Sustainability program are preparing engineers to address environmental disparities and develop innovative climate resilience solutions. Meanwhile, critiques highlight the inadequacy of current resilience infrastructure in the face of escalating extreme weather events, calling for substantial upgrades in civil defense, electrical grid flexibility, and community preparedness to confront worsening climate impacts. Together, these perspectives underscore a pressing need for integrated, equity-focused strategies and investments to enhance resilience against mounting climate and societal challenges.