The poor in cities are faced with dual challenge – that of housing shortages and of increased vulnerability to climate change impacts, given the location of their houses as well as their capacities to recover. More often than not, housing for the urban poor is not only an asset, but also a place for income generation.

This report represents an initial attempt to evaluate the economics of development choices in relation to risks from flood events under current conditions and those projected as a consequence of climate change. Rather than focusing on broad projections and scenarios, the report focuses on specific options in specific areas.

The Sheltering From a Gathering Storm project aims to improve understanding of the costs and benefits of climate resilient housing and contribute to the transformative change necessary to make communities more resilient to future disasters.