Climate-Resilient Urban Energy: Integrating Governance, Finance, Digital Twins, Circular Water–Energy, and Nature-Based Solution

Purpose: Show how governance, finance, digital twin (DT)/AI analytics, circular water–energy, nature-based solutions (NbS), and equity can jointly drive low‑carbon, resilient, just urban energy transitions in emerging regions. Methodology: PRISMA review (2014–Q1 2024) screened 500, retained 80 studies/policy records. Dual coding (kappa >0.78). Meta‑ranges kept metrics with ≥3 consistent studies. Thematic triangulation mapped enablers, barriers, and gaps across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia to generate contextual performance and sequencing insights. Findings: Efficiency, combined with distributed renewables and demand response, cuts emissions by 18–42%. DT/predictive analytics reduce district energy intensity by 5–12% and O&M by 10–25%. Circular measures lower utility energy intensity 8–22% and offset 20–40% potable demand. NbS cut peak runoff 20–55%, inundation depth 10–25%, heat island 0.5–2.5°C. Equity actions reduced the energy burden by 5–18% and prioritized flood exposure by 20–40%. Enablers: polycentric coordination, interoperable data, blended finance, standardized metrics, ethical AI, just transition framing. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Meta-range synthesis clarifies performance bands linking technical gains with resilience and equity outcomes. Regional DT/AI maturity and circular leverage points inform sequencing in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, underscoring the need for synchronized data governance and integration. Adopt interoperable data and AI charters; expand blended, performance‑linked finance tied to resilience and equity KPIs; incentivize leak analytics, modular digestion, reclaimed cooling; mandate equity and anti‑displacement audits; build DT validation capacity; apply equity‑adjusted valuation.