How can urban energy systems be energy efficient, low carbon, and resilient in a changing climate? This question is analyzed from a systems perspective, considering how climate change impacts both energy supply and energy demand in cities. Temporally, this analysis considers both climate stresses, e.g. rising temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and climate shocks, e.g., storm events, disruptions from cold snaps or heat waves. Using this dynamic systems perspective, this paper draws upon a range of emerging literature and practice on climate action, resilience and adaptation. This ranges from utility reliability and emergency risk management, to end-use energy efficiency and urban infrastructure planning. Case studies of three cities are included - Washington DC, USA; Copenhagen, Denmark, EU; and Shenzhen, Guangdong, China - to illuminate how cities are making their energy systems efficient, low-carbon, and resilient. The analysis finds wide variation in the methods and areas of focus, as well as varying degrees of connection the cities are making between low-carbon efforts and resilience efforts related to urban energy. While institutional coordination is challenging, cities are finding that it leads to better energy and climate change strategies. Beneficial strategies across the cities include: distributed energy resources (such as microgrids, and district heating and cooling), passive and efficient energy systems in buildings, and partnerships across government agencies, businesses, and communities.
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