The session presented data and analytics on the changes to urban water ecosystems due to expanding city footprints and highlight the potential of nature-based solutions and blue-green infrastructure to serve as assets for climate proofing cities to water risks and stresses. The speakers also explained cases on restoring the city’s wetlands and lakes and their benefits to the city to demonstrate an alternate path in city development, where water resources are protected and restored not just for aesthetic purposes, but to serve as critical climate adaptation and mitigation solutions.