Embedding Smart Urban Development Models in Climate Change Adaptation

There is growing awareness within urban studies that smart urban development models are important in climate change adaptation dialog. However, examples of appropriation and application of smart development models in climate change adaptation are limited. In this paper, we use a critical literature review to demonstrate the emergent smart development models in climate change adaptation by comparing four of these models: Sustainable and Resilient Cities, Eco-cities, Smart and Inclusive Cities, and Competitive and Logistics Cities models. We further show how cities are integrating specific strategies from them for climate change adaptation while fostering sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. This study contributes to the global discourse on Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on climate resilience and adaptive capacity, and policy integration, by illustrating how smart urban development models can strengthen urban resilience, inform adaptive policy design, and guide future planning strategies for climate-positive cities.