Cities Crucial for Climate Action: UN-Habitat

Cities are responsible for 70% of global CO2 emissions, positioning them as critical players in achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals, according to Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat. Rossbach emphasized the urgency of urban action, noting that cities face greater vulnerability to rising temperatures than rural areas.

During the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change at COP29, Rossbach noted cities account for 70% of global CO2 emissions and house more than half of the world’s population, making their transformation key to achieving the Paris Agreement's goals. 

Rossbach highlighted the vulnerabilities cities face due to climate change, stating that 70% of urban areas already feel its impacts, with temperatures in cities rising up to 10°C higher than in rural areas. She also emphasized the growing threats to coastal cities from rising sea levels and severe storms. Additionally, Rossbach underscored that 65% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depend on effective local action, particularly in addressing climate risks, natural disasters, and conflicts.

UN-Habitat urged for discussions and commitments made at COP29 to translate into tangible actions, particularly by increasing climate financing for urban areas, which currently receive only 5% of global climate funds. The organization also stressed the need to strengthen governance frameworks to improve coordination among national, regional, and local governments, enabling the implementation of more effective climate policies and actions to address the 70% of global CO2 emissions generated by cities.

Another priority is fostering cross-sector collaboration. For this purpose, UN-Habitat proposed Multisectoral Action Pathways, which aim to improve resilience and health in urban areas, with measurable milestones leading up to COP30. “It is time to take action. Local and regional governments are essential in addressing urban, social, and climate needs,” reads UN-Habitat’s press release.