Climate change and global warming have become the center of public debate as the biggest challenge of the century XXI in a short period of time. This paper aims to present a critical review on the subject of cities and climate change based on an analysis of national and international literature available. It is emphasized that the impacts of climate change are expected in urban areas affecting several sectors of urban life. Empirical evidence shows that local governments are essential to implement policies related to climate change. Overall, the response of cities focuses on mitigation and adaptation. The paper tried to understand the processes of urbanization and industrialization as a way to realize the condition and the origins of urban environmental vulnerability in Brazil, and to alert the large socioeconomic deficits and environmental impacts of Brazilian cities that make policies and responses more urgent and more complicated. Thus, it is not old wine in new bottle, but the opportunity not only to correct past mistakes, but also transform the Brazilian cities for the future in a more sustainable and just manner. For this to happen it is necessary to involve studies in public administration and local governance in these discussions.
climate change; cities; local governance; adaptation; mitigation
