单项选择题

Climate Change Poses Major Risks for Unprepared Cities
A new examination of urban policies has been (51) recently by Patricia Romero Lankao. She is a sociologist specializing in climate change and urban development. She warns that many of the world’s fast-growing urban areas, especially in developing countries, will likely (52) the impacts of changing climate. Her work also concludes (53) most cities are failing to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These gases are known (54) affect atmosphere. "Climate changes a deeply local issue and poses profound threats to the growing cities of the world," says Romero Lankao. "But (55) cities are developing effective strategies to protect their residents. "
Cities are (56) sources of greenhouse gases. And urban populations are likely to be among those most severely affected by future climate change. Lankao’s findings (57) ways in which city-residents are particularly vulnerable, and suggest policy interventions that could offer immediate and longer-term benefits.
The locations and dense construction patterns of cities often place their populations at greater. (58) for natural disasters. Potential threats associated with climate include storm surges and prolonged hot weather. Storm surges can flood coastal areas and prolonged hot weather can heat (59) paved cities more than surrounding areas. The impacts of such natural events can be more serious in an urban environment. (60) , a prolonged heat wave can increase existing levels of air pollution, causing widespread health problems. Poorer neighborhoods that may lack basic facilities such as drinking water or a dependable network of roads, are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Many residents in poorer countries live in substandard housing without (61) reliable drinking water, roads and basic services.
Local governments, (62) , should take measures to protect their residents. "Unfortunately, they tend to move towards rhetoric rather than meaningful responses," Romero Lankao writes. "They don’t impose construction standards that could reduce heating and air conditioning needs. They don’t emphasize mass transit and (63) automobile use. In fact, many local governments are taking a (64) approach. " Thus, she urges them to change their idle policies and to take strong (65) to prevent the harmful effects of climate change on cities.