Risk Analysis and Strategies for Addressing Climate Change in Coastal City Clusters of China

Global warming is currently accelerating and climate extremity is intensifying, becoming the greatest challenge to the sustainable development of human society. Extreme weather and climate events have been listed as the greatest risk over the next decade in the Global Risk Report (2026). China’s coastal city clusters are the strategic core areas for national economic development and the forefront for developing new forms of productivity, but they are also 'high-risk zones' for the impacts of climate change, with significant and complex risks. Therefore, with the support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences advisory and evaluation project, we have reviewed and assessed the key facts and disaster risks associated with accelerated warming and intensified extreme climate events in China coastal city clusters. This paper is a comprehensive review and strategic assessment based on existing research findings. The authors have paid particular attention to analyzing the issues that China major coastal city clusters need to address in response to potential major risks and prioritized works need to be strengthened. Suggestions are provided from the aspects of monitoring and early warning, joint prevention and joint control, low-carbon development, comprehensive governance, and regional coordination, aiming to enable coastal city clusters to addressing climate change risks in a scientific and effective approach, promoting sustainable and high-quality development of these coastal city clusters, and supporting the national ‘sea-oriented economy’ strategy.