Tag: Climate Change

The potential threat which climate change presents to the economy, public health, and structural integrity of cities worldwide has recently become hard to ignore. Mitigating climate change requires a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting to its effects will require cities to prepare buildings and people for changes like sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

The 2015 C40 Cities Awards ceremony, held in Paris during the landmark COP21 climate negotiations, showcased the best and most innovative climate actions taking place in the world’s cities. Mayors, city officials and thought leaders from around the world gathered to celebrate successful projects and plans, share their stories and knowledge, voice their ideas, and receive global recognition for their efforts.

Director of UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Dr. Jeffrey Sachs makes a compelling case for implementing long-term, low-emission development strategies now, including serious plans for decarbonization.

Together these two cities represent nearly 20 milion urban citizens.

Today, during the U.S.-China Climate Leaders Summit in Los Angeles, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group announced the addition of Chinese megacities Guangzhou and Nanjing to its global network of cities tackling climate change and driving urban action that reduces both greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, whilst increasing well-being for urban citizens.

United States President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently signed an historic deal setting the groundwork for both countries to make significant strides to halt global climate change*. The deal represents unprecedented collaboration between the two nations on climate, yet the agreement does not outline a comprehensive plan to achieve the agreed-upon reductions – which is where cities come in.