Blog Posts: sustainable cities

A new report finds that implementing a bundle of currently available technologies and practices across six emerging countries could collectively cut annual emissions from key urban sectors by 87–96% by 2050 beyond countries’ initial commitments under the Paris Agreement. But achieving these benefits will require the full support of national governments.

Mapping urban land use over time can show what, where and when changes are happening, answering pressing questions about urban living. WRI, with support from the National Geographic Society, has developed methods and infrastructure to map urban land use in any city, providing a new tool to help cities manage their resources and improve quality of life.

Climate change is an important driver of urban inequality. These five ideas show climate action can help cities become more equitable.

The cities and communities responsible for consuming and setting clean energy targets have historically had little influence on their wholesale electricity markets’ policies and operations. That may change with the emerging PJM Cities and Communities Coalition, a growing coalition dedicated to removing and preventing barriers to decarbonization in the PJM territory.

The correlation between urban tree cover and income is well-documented in cities around the world, and is often a by-product of historic inequality. However, cities can proactively address inequality, build resilience and improve residents' lives by making green spaces more equitable.

75 years ago, the United Nations was founded on the belief that countries must work together to address global issues. As the world faces climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, some national governments are living up to this belief more than others — but crucial actors may be able to turn the tide.

For years, city governments in the United States have taken the lead on committing to climate action. More recently, many cities have also stepped up to addressing the related issue of structural racism. Will these ambitious goals translate into ambitious action?

The coronavirus pandemic has compounded highly unequal development in Latin America's cities. Investing in infrastructure and public services for marginalized areas can help the region build back better.

Worldwide, cities are struggling to plan and finance climate-appropriate infrastructure. Inter-department collaboration and nature-based solutions could be the key to addressing both issues simultaneously.