GEMS 2026 Thematic Cluster: CLIMATE-POSITIVE CITIES An Interdisciplinary Thematic Cluster for Urban Transformation

Facing worsening floods and pollution, the Klang River Basin requires an urgent, systemic transformation. This research cluster develops a climate-positive vision for the basin through three integrated projects. The first establishes a technical foundation, using hydrodynamic modeling to assess green-grey-blue infrastructure under future climate scenarios. The second employs participatory engagement to co-design community adaptation strategies with vulnerable neighborhoods. The third extends resilience to mobility, exploring how transport systems can adapt to flooding while ensuring equitable, low-carbon access. Together, these projects generate actionable evidence for infrastructure design, adaptation planning, and policy, directly supporting Malaysia's climate goals and the Klang River Rehabilitation Masterplan.

Impact: Collectively, these projects aim to:

• Examine potential for 30% flood reduction in the Klang Basin
• Inform Selangor's Klang River Rehabilitation Masterplan and ASEAN urban resilience guidelines
• Develop participatory planning and engagement frameworks for stakeholders, including vulnerable communities, for flood risk management and environmental stewardship.

Industry engagement with partners like LUAS (Selangor Water Authority), DID (Department of Irrigation & Drainage Malaysia), and DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) will amplify impact through pilot projects, policy co-design, and community capacity building. These initiatives demonstrate how cities can transition from climate vulnerability to climate positivity, benefiting ecosystems, vulnerable populations, and policymakers.

Project 1 (School of Engineering)

This Project has been awarded.

Project 2 (School of Engineering) 

This Project has been awarded.

Project 3 (School of Engineering)

This Project has been awarded.