The investment case for adaptation is compelling: Analysis from WRI (World Research Institute) finds that adaptation projects can generate average annual returns of up to 27%, while delivering more than US$10.50 in economic, social and environmental benefits for every dollar invested. Yet urban adaptation finance remains severely underfunded: tracked flows were about US$10 billion annually in 2021–22, meeting only around 4% of the estimated US$147 billion annual need in emerging-market and developing-economy cities through 2030.

This report helps municipal commissions and urban bodies attract private capital for resilient urban infrastructure. It explains how cities can assess vulnerabilities, build a bankable pipeline and select financing structures suited to each project’s risk, revenue potential and delivery context.