Social Innovation for Climate Resilience: Transforming Urban Responses to a Changing Climate

Abstract

This paper explores the critical role of social innovation in enhancing urban climate resilience, examining how grassroots initiatives, collaborative governance, and community - driven solutions are reshaping cities' abilities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through a comparative analysis of urban case studies from across the globe, it identifies key social innovation mechanisms that bridge gaps in traditional climate policies, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The research highlights how social innovation fosters collective action, builds social capital, and co - creates knowledge to develop context - specific climate resilience strategies. It argues that integrating social innovation into urban climate planning is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable resilience, offering a framework for policymakers and practitioners to leverage community strengths in navigating climate uncertainties.