UNDP Climate’s Post

The role of cities in climate plans is critical. 70% of energy is consumed and 60% of emissions are produced in urban areas. A new report from UN agencies reveals that only 27% of national climate pledges (NDCs) incorporate strong urban elements. The 2025 deadline for updating existing or preparing new NDCs is an important opportunity to correct this.

Local climate action in the Nationally Determined Contributions. Download our report here 👇

Cities are responsible for approximately 70% of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. As population growth rises in urban areas, cities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. This also makes cities essential partners in achieving global climate targets. A recent report – jointly prepared by UNDP Climate, UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) and Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark, with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and C40 Cities – analyses urban content in 194 national climate pledges (NDCs). Some key findings from the report: 1. 66% of NDCs analysed contain either a moderate or strong level of urban content, indicating space for greater emphasis on urban priorities and solutions. 2. Many NDCs (160 of them) highlight the need for finance to facilitate NDC implementation at national levels, while only 26 include specific requests for finance at urban levels. 3. The urban sectors most frequently referenced in NDCs are energy, transport and mobility, and waste for mitigation, and infrastructure and water for adaptation. 4. Emphasis on climate hazards is indicated in 89% of NDCs; however, only 40% mention urban climate hazards. Check out the full report for more information. https://lnkd.in/eHFwYPnD cc James Vener

😁 I am delighted to announce that the IPCC Panel has today approved the outline for the Special Report on Cities and Climate Change. This represents a crucial step forward in our global efforts to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, particularly in urban environments. 🌆 Cities are at the forefront of climate action, and they are also disproportionately affected by its impacts. The SRCCC will provide the scientific evidence base needed to support policymakers, urban planners, and communities in developing and implementing effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. 🤝 I am particularly proud of the collaborative process that has shaped this outline. By involving a wide range of experts, including scientists and urban practitioners, we have ensured that the report will be both scientifically rigorous and highly relevant to real-world decision-making. #climatechange #IPCC #climateAction #globalwarming #sustainability #urbanplanning #sustainablecities #cityplanning #urbanization

The emergence of nature-based solutions (NbS) has contributed to a shift in how climate change adaptation success in cities is understood and what information and tools are needed to track its progress. It is increasingly assumed that urban adaptation progress is linked to “greening” cities. The conceptualisation of adaptation is often ambiguous and rigid, however, the IPCC defines it as “adjustment” to changing biophysical conditions, which could be argued as institutionalised. The implementation of effective adaptation policies is dependent on the understanding of climate risks and the concept of adaptation. Researchers suggest that urban adaptation to climate change is not only about protecting urban dwellers from the risks posed by a changing climate but further deepening relationships among one another and with nature. Defining adaptation in this way, as well as assessing progress towards adaptation goals, requires knowledge plurality that recognises that human and natural systems are interconnected and inseparable. However, current high-level definitions of adaptation such as that of the IPCC do not refer to the role that these relationships and knowledge pluralism play in how adaptation is successfully done. Instead, these definitions explicitly separate adaptation in “human” and “natural” systems. “Adaptation is the process of cultivating and strengthening relationships both among humans and between humans and nature in a way that respects their innate interconnectivity. These relationships help identify, motivate and guide necessary adjustments to actual or expected climate and its effects in order to moderate harm and maximise the potential for those relationships to thrive.” Goodwin, S., Olazabal, M., Castro, A.J. et al. A relational turn in climate change adaptation: Evidence from urban nature-based solutions. Ambio (2024). https://lnkd.in/eKeJSc4f

AMAZON , Don’t destroy AMAZON Our forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Over the past few decades, we've witnessed the devastating impact of deforestation, with millions of acres of lush, vibrant ecosystems being cleared for various purposes. This alarming trend not only destroys the natural habitats of countless species but also contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and the disruption of vital water cycles. It's time we take action to protect and restore our precious forests and oceans and finally Earth before it's too late. NATO or other Organizations are also responsible for protecting our forests and oceans and all humanity with peace . They should respect to all thoughts without considering racism and finally developing to keep our planet Earth . We have no other place to live as alternative except Earth . Let’s young leaders control future of our planet. NATO and Organization are responsible to bring peace not to manufacturing war guns and tools . We are all in one ship . Please don’t make hole our ship .

Cities account for 70% of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, making them critical to tackling climate change. As urban populations grow, cities become more vulnerable, and addressing urban challenges in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is essential for meeting global climate targets. A new report by UNDP, UN-Habitat, and partners analyzes the urban focus in 194 NDCs, offering insights and guidance for policymakers to integrate cities into their climate strategies. Key findings show that 66% of NDCs include urban content, but only 26 request specific financing for urban needs, highlighting a crucial gap in climate action. #Sustainability #ClimateAction #UrbanPlanning #NDCs #SustainableCities #ClimateResilience UNDP Zimbabwe NDC Partnership

Crucial & timely topic! I am wondering if the report will consider social aspects of climate mitigation and adaptation measures, e.g. protecting vulnerable groups from summer heat. Homeless people face high (deadly) risks due to urban heat island effects & lack of shade. Protecting buildings occupied by low-income households requires passive and environmentally friendly measures (shading windows, ventilating, white & green & solar panel-shaded roofs). The potential of panel blocks’ roofs across the CEE region could provide energy for ventilation and cooling but remain unexploited. Vulnerable groups (low-income single parents, elderly pensioners, etc.) should be prioritized with weatherization as they cannot afford air conditioning. Renovation programs must avoid displacing and evicting vulnerable groups. Green investments can fuel the financialization of housing and gentrification leading to deepened housing inequalities. High-income households can weatherize their homes, reducing costs and increasing comfort. Poor households cannot afford upfront costs and are more exposed to climate events and higher energy costs. Vulnerable groups often live in homes more exposed to climate events thus must be protected first.

The European Environment Agency's (EEA) latest report, "Urban adaptation in Europe", highlights how cities are addressing climate risks such as heatwaves and floods. Key Points: 🏙 Urban Focus: Cities play a crucial role in building resilience against climate impacts. 🛣 Adaptation Actions: Measures include urban planning, economic incentives, early-warning systems, and nature-based solutions (91% of plans). 🌏 Nature-Based Solutions: Effective for cooling, water retention, recreation, and pollution reduction, but may need to be complemented by infrastructure. Challenges and Future Steps: 🎯 Scaling Up: More concrete targets are necessary; only 2% of local adaptation indicators are tied to specific goals. ❕ Urgent Need: Current policies fall short of addressing escalating climate risks, with urban areas particularly vulnerable. European cities are innovating for climate resilience. 📄 This report highlights successes and identifies areas requiring further action to achieve a climate-resilient future. Read more here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejvS-ig9

The European Environment Agency's (EEA) new report, "Urban adaptation in Europe", showcases how cities are tackling climate risks like heatwaves and floods. Key Points: 🏙️ Urban Focus: Cities are essential in enhancing resilience against climate impacts 🔧 Adaptation Actions: Strategies include urban planning, economic incentives, early-warning systems, and nature-based solutions (91% of plans) 🌿 Nature-Based Solutions: Effective for cooling, water retention, recreation, and pollution reduction, but may need to be paired with infrastructure Challenges and Future Steps: + Scaling Up: More tangible targets are needed; only 2% of local adaptation indicators are linked to specific goals + Urgent Need: Current policies lag behind growing climate risks, with urban areas facing heightened threats European cities are innovating for climate resilience. 📝 This report highlights successes and areas needing further action to build a climate-resilient future. Read more here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejvS-ig9