Connecting the Dots: The Urban Informal Sector and Climate Vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia’s Megacities

In the megacities of developing Southeast Asia, the informal sector plays an important role in supporting economic development. Yet, in discussions of the ramifications of climaterelated natural hazards, this sector is often underrecognised. The sector, and the people working within it, is often disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate hazards. As such, cities that seek to address the economic risks and financial costs of such hazards must also improve the adaptive capacity and resilience of those in the sector. With lowincome groups making up a major part of the sector, this would mean addressing issues that transect with those related to poverty. Are there any initiatives in the region that address the vulnerabilities of the urban poor? [NTS Alert]. URL:[http://www.rsis.edu.sg/nts/HTML-Newsletter/Alert/pdf/NTS-Alert-1301.pdf]