Navigating Resilience: Confronting Climate-Induced Localized and Regional Shocks and Human Insecurities in Cities of the Global South

The Global south, indeed, faces complex challenges, where rapid urbanization, environmental vulnerability, and socio-economic disparities intersect to produce a distinct set of pressures. Central to this analysis is the growing prevalence of climate-induced localized shocks, such as extreme weather events and resource disruptions, which escalate into regional crises. These localized impacts not only disrupt food supply chains but also lead to a cascading effect that threatens human securities—transforming access to food, health, shelter, and other basic needs into widespread human insecurities. The study also investigates how governance deficiencies and policy gaps exacerbate these insecurities by failing to mitigate or adapt to these growing risks. Case studies of cities such as Lagos, Manila, and Dhaka reveal how these human insecurities ripple through communities, deepening vulnerabilities and creating long-term challenges for urban resilience. Additionally, the paper highlights innovative urban strategies—such as adaptive governance and green infrastructure—that offer pathways to building more resilient cities. By integrating contemporary research and real-world examples, this paper aims to spark dialogue on developing multidimensional, inclusive solutions that address the transition from human security to insecurity as cities confront the mounting effects of climate change from local to regional levels.