Editorial of the Day (19 Dec): What does COP-28 mean for cities?

Context: The 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai highlighted the significance of cities in addressing climate change.

Linkages With The Cities

• Currently, 55% of the global population is urban and this is expected to reach 68% by 2050.
• The urban world today consumes nearly 75% of primary energy and is responsible for roughly 70% of CO2 (76% of total GHG) emissions.
• Therefore, desired results of the Paris commitments are not possible without addressing urban issues.

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Major event for urban area development at COP-28

• City leaders advocate multi-level green governance and direct action.
• Formal recognition of cities in climate negotiations sought.
• Cross-level collaboration and direct funding for city action needed.
• Bold changes needed to break federal government control.

Challenges & Strategies for Cities in the Global South

• Weaker Governance: Compared to their counterparts in the North, cities in the Global South often grapple with inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and limited resources.
• Informal Employment: A sizable portion of their population relies on informal work, lacking essential benefits and social safety nets, making them particularly vulnerable to economic shocks and climate change impacts.
• Climate Change Exposure: These cities are disproportionately affected by rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water scarcity, posing significant threats to infrastructure, health, and livelihoods.

Ways of achieving progress

• City governments need to be involved in National Adaptation Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions.
• Creating a climate atlas of cities, for mapping them and identifying most vulnerable hotspots.

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