Climate Change Poses Major Risks for Unprepared Cities
A new examination of urban policies has been 1 recently by Patricia Romero Lankao.She is a sociologist specializing in climate change and 2 development.She warns that many of the worlds fast-growing urban areas，especially in developing countries.will likely suffer from the impacts of changing climate.Her work also concludes that most cities are failing to 3 emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 4 .These gases are known to affect the atmosphere.Climate change is a deeply local issue and poses profound threats to the growing cities of the world， says Romero Lankao. But too few cities are developing effective strategies to 5 their residents.
Cities are 6 sources of greenhouse gases.And urban populations are likely to be among those most severely affected by future climate change. Lankaos findings highlight ways in which city-residents are particularly vulnerable， and suggest policy interventions that could offer immediate and longer-term 7 .
The locations and dense construction patterns of cities often place their populations at greater risk for natural disasters. Potential 8 associated with climate include storm surges and prolonged hot weather. Storm surges can flood coastal areas and prolonged hot weather can heat 9 paved cities more than surrounding areas.The impacts of such natural events can be more serious in an urban environment.For example，a prolonged heat wave can increase existing levels of air pollution，causing widespread health problems.Poorer neighborhoods that may 10 basic facilities such as drinking water or a dependable network of roads，are especially vulnerable to natural disasters.Many residents in poorer countries live in substandard housing 11 access to reliable drinking water，roads and basic services.
Local governments， 12 ，should take measures to protect their residents.Unfortunately，they tend to move towards rhetoric 13 meaningful responses， Romero Lankao writes， They dont impose construction standards that could reduce heating and air conditioning needs. They dont emphasize mass transit and reduce 14 use. In fact， many local governments are taking a hands-off approach. Thus， she urges them to change their 15 policies and to take strong steps to prevent the harmful effects of climate change on cities.
词汇：
vulnerable adj .易受伤害的
infrastructure n .基础设施
sociologist n.社会学家
substandard adj.标准以下的
dioxide .二氧化物
floodplain n .泛滥平原
注释：
1. likely：很可能，或许。在本句中用作副词。
2. be likely to：很可能。likely 在本句中是形容词，用作表语。
3. findings：调查结果
4. storm surges：风暴潮
5. paved cities：铺上沥青路面的城市
6. spring up：涌现
7. rhetoric . . . responses：修辞反应。这个词的意思是：话讲得很漂亮，但内容空洞。
8. a hands-off approach：一种不插手的政策
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