Cities

All over the world, more and more people are moving to cities. Already today, more than half the world's population lives in cities. By 2050, the UN expects this to be the case for more than two thirds.

The population growth in the world's cities is equivalent to building a city the size of Paris every week until 2050.

Cities are a mecca for development, innovation and growth - but they also consume huge resources and are responsible for 75% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

So they are a major part of the world's climate challenge, as well as part of the solution. We need to reduce the climate footprint of cities, while adapting and safeguarding them against the climate changes that are already affecting them in the form of floods, droughts, cold and heat waves.

Holistic climate planning and urban design using nature-based solutions are crucial when new cities are built or existing ones grow. Working together, cities can inspire and motivate each other to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

Cities are an efficient way of organising shared systems - energy supply, public transport, services, housing, etc. - and therefore climate action in cities is crucial. But cities are not just about efficiency. They also need to be green, attractive to live in and move around, and safe and accessible for all.