Massive slums have become major features of cities in many low-income and middle-income countries. Here, in the fi rst in a Series of two papers, we discuss why slums are unhealthy places with especially high risks of infection and injury. We show that children are especially vulnerable, and that the combination of malnutrition and recurrent diarrhoea leads to stunted growth and longer-term eff ects on cognitive development. We fi nd that the scientifi c literature on slum health is underdeveloped in comparison to urban health, and poverty and health.

Sustainable development of Indian cities is an essential pre-requisite for India to establish itself as a major economic power. Smart cities dwell on energyefficient urban centres. The National Action Plan on Climate Change and the recently formulated plan for Smart Cities emphasize the need for energy efficiency. However, inadequate domestic finance and lack of public support impose sizeable constraints. (Scientific Correspondence)

It is fitting that the United Nations Habitat III conference in October will be held in Quito, Ecuador. In April, the city and nearby Portoviejo and Manta suffered an earthquake that killed more than 660 people and injured at least 10,000. Around 73,000 people were displaced. Some 700,000 needed emergency assistance, such as drinking water, sanitation and hygiene kits. Many water-supply systems and hospitals were destroyed or disrupted. Insurance companies estimated the damage at US$2.5 billion, of which only 16% was insured.

he study of the management of weather-related disaster risks by municipalities has attracted little attention even though these organizations play a key role in protecting the population from extreme meteorological conditions. This article contributes to filling this gap with new evidence on the level and determinants of Quebec municipalities’ preparedness for weather hazards and response to related weather warnings.

The frequency, duration, and intensity of cold waves are expected to decrease in the near future under the changing climate. However, there is a lack of understanding on future mortality related to cold waves. The present study conducted a large-scale national projection to estimate future mortality attributable to cold waves during 1960–2050 in 209 US cities.

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