This document considers how the nature of urban space and of urban populations influences disasters in cities; it discusses the question of urban disasters in comparison with rural disasters and factors that can decrease the risk and potential impact of disasters in urban areas. This paper also outlines how the humanitarian community is adapting to address the challenges posed by urban areas; and it proposes some ‘next steps’ for the community. The document also provides an overview of current thinking and emerging good practice related to disaster response in an urban environment.