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What did COP27 accomplish and what actions can we expect as a result?

  • Held in Egypt, COP27 was dubbed the Africa COP, providing an important opportunity to table issues critical to the continent; and the COP of implementation, where pledges would be translated into action on the ground.

  • The most talked about achievement of COP27 was that an agreement was finally reached to establish and operationalise a new loss and damage fund. Beyond this, progress was underwhelming, but while there were disappointments, there were significant gains, too.

  • Antonia Gawel, Head of Climate Change, and Nathan Cooper, Lead Partnerships & Engagement Strategy at the World Economic Forum, look back at the highlights of COP27 and show which wheels it has put in motion.

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What did COP27 accomplish and what actions can we expect as a result?

Published by World Economic Forum on 23 November 2022

Authors:

  • Antonia Gawel, Head, Climate; Deputy Head, Centre for Nature & Climate Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
  • Nathan Cooper, Lead, Partnerships and Engagement Strategy, Climate Action Platform, World Economic Forum

Unpicking the key learnings from COP27

COP27 was dubbed the Africa COP and the implementation COP. It provided an opportunity to table issues critical to the continent and a chance to turn the words, drawn up at COP26, into action. Confronted with a global food and energy crisis, increasing extreme weather events and record greenhouse gas concentrations, COP27 was a key milestone to instill renewed solidarity between countries and deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement.

The World Economic Forum hosted over 50 interactive sessions, bringing together over 800 leaders spanning sectors, generations and countries. These sessions drove multistakeholder action across areas as broad as raising climate ambition, financing the Net-Zero transition, accelerating industry decarbonisation, water security, adaptation finance, ocean innovation and more.

Was COP27 a success?

COP27 did not progress commitments or show evidence of significant action by countries to further draw down global emissions. Every year and every COP is critical to progress this key objective – without it, the world will not limit the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. By this measure, COP27 was a missed opportunity and potentially a step back.

On the other hand, as the ‘Africa COP,’ the issues of critical importance to developing economies, including climate adaptation and loss and damage were brought to the fore, rebalancing the negotiations and reinstating trust between parties. A breakthrough agreement to provide loss and damage funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters was seen as a success, although details of the fund still need to be fleshed out.

What did COP27 achieve?

When you work on climate day in and day out, you come away from every conference feeling that more could have been achieved. While we didn’t leave COP27 as hopeful as we would have liked, there were many positives leaving us optimistic for the future.

Alongside the agreement reached on loss and damage, it was also encouraging to witness China and the US reopen their conversation on tackling climate change, and to see adaptation dialogues begin on enhancing resilience for 4 billion people living in the most climate-vulnerable communities by 2030.

The largely untapped innovative finance model (enabled by COP negotiations, that monetises avoided or reduced emissions through carbon markets) was tapped into by African nations, who announced a carbon market partnership. Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries can work together to raise money for much-needed decarbonisation and adaptation projects, through trading carbon credits on regional or international markets.

Then, at the G20, which ran alongside COP27, the Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership was launched to help finance the energy transition. This is important because coal contributes to three-quarters of the power sector’s CO2 emissions and coal needs to be phased out almost six times faster than it has been over the past five years to align the power sector with well below a 1.5 degrees Celsius global average temperature rise.

The private sector stepped up

We also saw the private sector take a major role at COP27, particularly across the areas of climate ambition, low-carbon technology and climate adaptation. It was recognised that the adaptation market could be worth $2 trillion per year by 2026, with the developing world standing to benefit from much of this. Thousands of leaders at COP27 also committed to working towards 1.5 degrees Celsius.

We were also proud to announce the First Movers Coalition's expansion, from 25 members when it was launched at COP26 to 65 members, which includes companies and governments. Those First Movers sent a $12 billion market signal to pull forward critical, low-carbon technologies of the future to decarbonise the cement and concrete industry.

More than 100 CEOs and senior executives of large multinational corporations, all members of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, signed an open letter to leaders at COP27 committing to work side-by-side with governments to deliver bold climate action and encourage all businesses to accelerate the Net Zero transition by setting science-based targets, disclosing emissions and catalysing decarbonisation and partnerships across global value chains.

Additionally, major agricultural trading and processing companies launched the Agriculture Sector Roadmap, which moves the industry towards science-based, transparent and traceable actions to avert and reverse deforestation. And, 26 countries signed a global MOU that 100% of new truck and bus sales will be zero emissions by 2040.

Beyond COP27 Leaders On The Road Ahead

We also heard some largely uplifting thoughts at one of the COP27 closing panels Beyond COP27 Leaders On The Road Ahead. From a national perspective, James Mnyupe, Presidential Economic Advisor to the Office of the President of Namibia, said he was pleased to have “mobilised about $63 million in grant funding to get various projects underway in Namibia, that will help us with mobilising concessionary financing." He added: "And we also mobilised about €500 million of a framework loan, that will be available to us in very concessionary terms as well.”

Speaking on behalf of business, Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA Retail), said he had come away from COP27 filled with optimism for the commercial sector in particular: “I want to call out the companies here who are not waiting for legislation or pledges, but realise by their own ethical and moral motivations and understanding that sustainability and climate are not about making sacrifices. It might be about making upfront investments and taking some leaps of faith, but it's really about being a winner in the economy,” he said.

Anish Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group, added that it was time for business to: “Make it personal and ask what is the impact on the society that I live in? What is the impact on my company and on me as an individual, and not just in terms of threats, but also in terms of opportunities?”

Janet Ranganathan, Managing Director of Strategy, Learning and Results at the World Resources Institute (WRI), added every individual on the planet has a part to play too: “We need citizens to be holding countries accountable to see the policies being put in place and the money mobilised, otherwise it's all for nothing,” she said.

Youth raise their voice

One group of people certainly getting their voice heard at COP27 were the future generations, whose very planet that they inherit from today’s generation is at stake. Pato Kelesitse, Global Shaper at Gaborone Hub and Founder of Sustain 267, said: “When we use our money as young people, we need to know that whatever we're giving it to is what we're voting for. Whatever we're giving our money to is what we're demanding. So when businesses come to COP27 they need to know that if you're not going to get us closer to 1.5. You are not going to be getting our money.”

Looking ahead to COP28

For those companies who have not yet fully embraced ambitious climate action, the message from youth, civil society and business at the forefront of this agenda at COP27 was clear: the private sector has a unique role to play to provide the capital and solutions to meet our global climate goals. With the results of the Global Stocktake Process published at COP28 and the UN setting out its recommendations for robust climate action from non-state actors, 2024 will be about countries and companies showing how they are meeting their climate commitments, while pressure is still on to ramp up ambition.

The Annual Meeting in Davos will be a key milestone to build on the progress made at COP27 and to kick off the Road to COP28. Over 2,500 leaders from government, business and civil society across the world will gather in the Swiss town from 16-20 January 2024 to focus on the theme 'Cooperating in a fragmented world.' Find out more here

Original Article

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Why these are the smartest and most sustainable cities

  • The IESE Cities in Motion Index compared 183 cities to determine the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities for 2022.

  • London heads the list for its strong human capital, international profile, urban planning, and governance.

  • Europe is home to the largest number of smart cities, with Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Copenhagen all earning a spot in the top ten.

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Why these are the smartest and most sustainable cities

Published by World Economic Forum on 21 November 2022

Authors:

  • Joan Enric Ricart Costa, Professor of Strategic Management, IESE Business School, University of Navarra
  • Pascual Berrone, Professor of Strategic Management, IESE Business School, University of Navarra

Summary:

The IESE Cities in Motion Index compared 183 cities to determine the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities for 2022. Cover Image: João Barbosa/Unsplash

The world's cities, already grappling with ageing populations, multifarious social demands, and digital divides, are groaning under the strains of climate change and pandemic fallout. The economic and social consequences of the tragic war in Ukraine are likely to add additional stressors in the form of unemployment, inflation, segregation, and migration.

In this context, it’s more important than ever to diagnose where cities stand in terms of sustainability and quality of life for inhabitants - and to start building urban resilience to withstand future challenges.

But where to start? It’s a daunting task, but all cities should undertake a process of strategic review. In addition to assessing where they currently stand, cities should also consider their future priorities and what they aspire to be. IESE Cities in Motion Index offers a platform for a comprehensive initial diagnosis of the cities and, through comparative analysis, aims to serve as the first point of reference.

The IESE Cities in Motion Index evaluates 183 cities in 92 countries based on 9 criteria to determine the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities for 2022.

The IESE Cities in Motion Index evaluates 183 cities in 92 countries based on 9 criteria to determine the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities for 2022. Image: IESE Business School

The index compares 183 cities globally, looking at 114 criteria grouped into nine dimensions: human capital, social cohesion, economy, governance, environment, mobility and transportation, urban planning, international profile, and technology.

It's an unusual index in its scope of coverage – the cities are scattered across 92 countries - and its long-term vision of cities that puts people first in their various and complex needs. We look at standard metrics such as GDP per capita, and less traditional items like the number of electric vehicle charging points, how many museums and galleries there are, and how cities rate racial tolerance.

The top ten most sustainable cities

1) London. London’s human capital, international profile, urban planning, and governance lifted it to first place in this year’s ranking. The city's drawbacks flow from the U.K.'s weaker capital in social cohesion and environment.

2) New York’s economy is its biggest strength, but the city also stands out in areas of mobility and transportation, urban planning, human capital, and international profile. Like London, New York is relatively weaker in its social cohesion and environment.

3) Paris ranked well in its international profile, mobility and transportation, and human capital but tiered lower in its environment.

4) Tokyo sports a strong economy, international profile, governance, and technology. The city ranked lower in its urban planning and mobility and transportation.

5) Berlin is a well-balanced city, performing well in many dimensions, notably in its governance, urban planning, and human capital. Its weakest flank was the economy.

6) Washington D.C. is robust in human capital, technology, governance, and urban planning – but can improve in social cohesion and the environment.

7) Singapore’s technology and international profile are standout areas, while environment and mobility are the city state’s weaker capacities.

The last three cities to fill out the list are northern European cities that tend to perform well across a variety of dimensions. Amsterdam (8) fares particularly well in technology, Oslo (9) in the environment, and Copenhagen (10) in social cohesion and environment.

IESE Cities in Motion Index Top 10 smartest sustainable cities

IESE Cities in Motion Index Top 10. London tops the list of the world's smartest and most sustainable cities. Image: IESE Business School​​​​​

Revealing regional comparisons

The severity of pandemic-fuelled economic swings since 2024 has been critical for cities. In previous editions – this is our eighth – cities advanced and declined for a multitude of reasons. In this edition, the weight of the economy was decisive.

Dublin, one of the few cities to expect economic growth, jumped to 18th overall. Buenos Aires (103), which competes with Santiago (75) for regional dominance in our ranking, fell far behind its regional rival, battered especially by the economy.

Regional comparisons are also revealing. Europe, overall, is home to the largest number of smart cities. While many have been buffeted by the pandemic, the underlying strengths and quality of life in European cities, held them in good stead.

Cities in developing countries are still struggling across most metrics, and the recent economic and health crises have added to those struggles. All African cities included in the index are at the bottom of the overall ranking: while the region wasn’t as adversely affected by the pandemic as initially expected, the health crisis has had serious economic, political, and social consequences. Latin American countries are also near the bottom, a particular cause for concern since it’s one of the regions with the highest urban concentration on the planet.

Asian cities that perform well tend to get a boost from their expanding economies and their promotion of technology. Technology is also where a handful of Middle Eastern cities – Dubai and Abu Dhabi – fare best, although generally, the region has a long way to go in creating smart, sustainable cities.

Economics are also a decisive factor for US cities: six of the top 10 cities in the economic dimension are American; none of the top ten cities in social cohesion or environment is American.

Criteria for IESE Cities in Motion Index most sustainable cities

Criteria used by IESE Cities in Motion Index to determine the most sustainable cities in the world. Image: IESE Business School

Expanding urban resilience

In the past, urban resilience has focused on readiness for a natural disaster. We must expand our understanding of resilience beyond infrastructure to encompass sustainable ecosystems, innovative activities, equity among citizens, and connected territory.

City managers should be able to lead by example, guided by the principles of justice and collaboration and by a vision of the future that includes all citizens. The concept of smart governance, which includes accurate diagnosis, a clear vision, and a multidimensional approach to managing challenges, is crucial.

And it’s not just the responsibility of the public sector. Developing urban resilience - the ability of cities to overcome adverse circumstances, whatever they are - can only be achieved if all stakeholders are involved.

The public sector, private companies, civic organizations, and academic institutions must work together and take a holistic approach to what makes a city not only viable, but livable, just, and resilient.

For more information:

Download the full Cities in Motion Index 2022 report

Go to the interactive map and calculator

Download our Cities in Motion Index 2022 infographic

Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/why-these-are-the-smartest-and-most-sustainable-cities/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2789441_Agenda_weekly-25November2022&utm_term=&emailType=Agenda%20Weekly

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How Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement
This new report unpacks why a just transition is central to delivering the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, analyses key global and regional trends, and explores what a just transition means for UNDP’s work. 
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How Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

Published by UNDP Climate Promise

How a Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

The importance of just transition is now recognized

A green transition to a net-zero future is key to unlocking the Paris Agreement’s global climate goals. However, if not managed well, the required socioeconomic transformation runs the risk of further increasing social inequality, exclusion, civil unrest, and less competitive businesses, sectors, and markets. Increasingly, countries are acknowledging these risks and in turn are taking action to integrate a just and equitable transition of their economies into their short- and long-term climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS).

While the concept of just transition is widely used to advocate for social justice and equity in climate action, there is no universally accepted definition, and the perception varies between countries and regions. For UNDP, just transition is fundamentally about principle, process, and practice. UNDP’s framework of support therefore involves increasing country awareness of the principles of a just transition, strengthening their ability to engage in just transition processes, and developing capacity to implement just transition practices. 

UNDP analysis reveals that, as of 31 October 2022, just transition principles are now reflected in 38% of NDCs, 56% of LTS, and a growing number of high-profile global initiatives. More, however, needs to be done.

UNDP’s framework for incorporating just transition in NDCs and LTS 

UNDP has been working through the Climate Promise to support countries to connect the dots between climate action, social inclusion and gender equality, and sustainable development.

As part of these efforts, four key entry points have been identified for integrating just transition into NDCs and LTS:

Just Transition Framework

  1. Assessments;
  2. Engagement through social dialogues and stakeholder engagement;
  3. Institutional, policy, and capacity-building support; and
  4. Finance.

Under the Climate Promise, UNDP has supported, or is supporting, 34 countries and territories to strengthen just transition across these four areas (see map below).

Download the report to learn how UNDP is partnering with Serbia, South Africa, Costa Rica, India, and Antigua and Barbuda on their visions for a green, just, and net-zero future.

Continue reading: https://climatepromise.undp.org/research-and-reports/how-just-transition-can-help-deliver-paris-agreement

Download the full report here: https://climatepromise.undp.org/sites/default/files/research_report_document/UNDP_Just_Transition_Report_0.pdf

or access the PDF attachment of the full report.

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How Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

This new report unpacks why a just transition is central to delivering the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, analyses key global and regional trends, and explores what a just transition means for UNDP’s work. 

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How Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

Published by UNDP Climate Promise

This new report unpacks why a just transition is central to delivering the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, analyses key global and regional trends, and explores what a just transition means for UNDP’s work. 

How a Just Transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

The importance of just transition is now recognized

A green transition to a net-zero future is key to unlocking the Paris Agreement’s global climate goals. However, if not managed well, the required socioeconomic transformation runs the risk of further increasing social inequality, exclusion, civil unrest, and less competitive businesses, sectors, and markets. Increasingly, countries are acknowledging these risks and in turn are taking action to integrate a just and equitable transition of their economies into their short- and long-term climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS).

While the concept of just transition is widely used to advocate for social justice and equity in climate action, there is no universally accepted definition, and the perception varies between countries and regions. For UNDP, just transition is fundamentally about principle, process, and practice. UNDP’s framework of support therefore involves increasing country awareness of the principles of a just transition, strengthening their ability to engage in just transition processes, and developing capacity to implement just transition practices. 

UNDP analysis reveals that, as of 31 October 2022, just transition principles are now reflected in 38% of NDCs, 56% of LTS, and a growing number of high-profile global initiatives. More, however, needs to be done.

UNDP’s framework for incorporating just transition in NDCs and LTS 

UNDP has been working through the Climate Promise to support countries to connect the dots between climate action, social inclusion and gender equality, and sustainable development.

As part of these efforts, four key entry points have been identified for integrating just transition into NDCs and LTS:

Just Transition Framework

  1. Assessments;
  2. Engagement through social dialogues and stakeholder engagement;
  3. Institutional, policy, and capacity-building support; and
  4. Finance.

Under the Climate Promise, UNDP has supported, or is supporting, 34 countries and territories to strengthen just transition across these four areas (see map below).

Download the report to learn how UNDP is partnering with Serbia, South Africa, Costa Rica, India, and Antigua and Barbuda on their visions for a green, just, and net-zero future.

Continue reading: https://climatepromise.undp.org/research-and-reports/how-just-transition-can-help-deliver-paris-agreement

Download the full report here: https://climatepromise.undp.org/sites/default/files/research_report_document/UNDP_Just_Transition_Report_0.pdf

or access the PDF attachment of the full report.

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Parallel Session on UNDP's Study: "Greening of the Philippines’ Recovery and Resilience Strategies"

Parallel Session on UNDP's Study: "Greening of the Philippines’ Recovery and Resilience Strategies"

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the

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Government of the United Kingdom, and in collaboration with Global Factor and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, has undertaken a study on green recovery in the Philippines. The study aims to take advantage of the opportunity to redesign the development trajectory of the country after the COVID-19 pandemic towards a greener and more sustainable one.  

This virtual session will be held on 10 November 2022, 10:30 AM – 12:00 NN (Philippines time), via Zoom to discuss the key results and highlights of the study and how the national government, local governments, and private sector can lead the way in reframing and rewriting the Philippines’ development trajectory towards a greener one. 

Specifically, the parallel session aims to: 

  • Present the highlights of the report’s comparison of the Philippines taking a business-as-usual approach versus green recovery simulations;  
  • Present green recovery entry points and recommendations for the country’s agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and transport sectors;  
  • Present selected LGUs’ initiatives aligned with green recovery and key takeaways from these efforts;  
  • Gather perspectives of technical and policy experts and representatives from national agencies; local government units, private sector, non-government organizations, academia, and other stakeholders on green recovery efforts and its adoption in the country.

Interested attendees may register via this link: https://bit.ly/greenrecoveryPH. Attached, for your reference, is the session's indicative agenda.  

Should you have questions and clarifications, please contact ICLEI SEAS Communications Officer Mr. Chris Noel Hidalgo at  or via the mobile number (+63) 961-919-6055. 

Cover Photo of Manila, Philippines from Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/vL2h7xYiIlk

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From Risk to Resilience: Building a Local Climate of Success

This Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) webinar series profiles local governments that are seizing the moment to move from climate risk to climate resilience. As this ‘window of opportunity’ narrows, these municipalities are demonstrating that climate action is an investment and not a cost.

The first webinar brings together two local governments – Wroclaw, in Poland, and Kampala, in Uganda – who will outline their own climate resilience ambitions and actions and share practical policy recommendations for other municipalities to scale up their risk reduction efforts.

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From Risk to Resilience: Building a Local Climate of Success

by United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

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This Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) webinar series profiles local governments that are seizing the moment to move from climate risk to climate resilience. As this ‘window of opportunity’ narrows, these municipalities are demonstrating that climate action is an investment and not a cost.

The first webinar brings together two local governments – Wroclaw, in Poland, and Kampala, in Uganda – who will outline their own climate resilience ambitions and actions and share practical policy recommendations for other municipalities to scale up their risk reduction efforts.

Register Here 

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COP27: A chance to act - we can still make a difference

We know what we need to do, and how to make our planet clean, sustainable, and equitable. We have the technology and the evidence to act. What we need more than anything is political will and investment. COP27, taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, is an opportunity to stop talking and start acting. Change is happening around us, and the Paris Agreement points the way.

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COP27: A chance to act - We can still make a difference

Published by UNDP on 2 November 2022

The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP27, comes at the tail end of a record-smashing summer for the northern hemisphere.

Punishing early spring heatwaves in South Asia killed hundreds. Many countries recorded the highest temperatures since records began, more than 120 years ago. Europeans experienced their hottest summer in 500 years, accompanied by wildfires, droughts and death. Major rivers reached record low levels. In August a third of Pakistan flooded, with devastating consequences for its people and economy. China experienced its hottest temperature ever, and several cities in Iraq became the hottest places on earth, with temperatures of more than 50C/122F. Hurricane Ian, which slammed the Caribbean and the United States, offered further proof that no country is immune from the effects of climate change.

These events are not an aberration. The last seven years have been the hottest ever recorded. And they’re just a taste of what to expect if we continue to fail to act on global heating.

There is no time to lose. We are rapidly approaching dangerous tipping points for every aspect of human life, from our health and safety, our natural environment, our economies, to our property and infrastructure.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said climate action must be our “top global priority”.

Change is possible, hope is imperative

And yet the future is not written. The climate and nature crises are not inevitable. We can still make a difference.

We know what we need to do, and how to make our planet clean, sustainable, and equitable. We have the technology and the evidence to act. What we need more than anything is political will and investment.

COP27, taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, is an opportunity to stop talking and start acting.

Change is happening around us, and the Paris Agreement points the way. 

A photo in this story

A photo in this story

COP27 will be about “planning for implementation” for all the promises and pledges around net-zero commitments, the protection of forests and climate finance made last year during COP26 in Glasgow. Photos: Shutterstock

Last year, COP26 laid the groundwork for further, and more ambitious action. The Glasgow Climate Pact aimed to turn the 2024s into a decade of committed climate action—ramping up efforts to ensure that we are resilient in the face of climate change, while at the same time curbing greenhouse gas emissions. For the first time, nations were called on to phase out coal power and inefficient—and inequitable—fossil fuel subsidies.

Each country’s national pledge – their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – offers a unique blueprint for immediate climate action. NDCs are politically- backed tools for defining and advancing sustainable development pathways.

In country after country, UNDP has witnessed, alongside our key partners, the transformation that takes place when leadership, political will and investment come together.

UNDP has been supporting governments and citizens on the frontlines of climate action and has seen firsthand the benefits and opportunities of investing in NDCs. UNDP’s Climate Promise supports 84 percent of all developing country NDC submissions.

Our Global Policy Network has a vast portfolio of multilateral, bilateral, and vertical funds. The Nature, Climate and Energy portfolio spans 137 countries and 802 projects, including the UN’s largest portfolio on climate.

UNDP’s Sustainable Energy Hub is helping deliver on these targets while simultaneously accelerating progress towards other SDGs. The Sustainable Finance Hub is supporting governments, the private sector and international financial institutions to ramp up financing for the SDGs.

Country targets

To pay for urgent climate action, UNDP is working with the Indonesian government as it becomes a world leader in “green sukuks”—Islamic bonds which have raised more than US$2.75 billion.

Lebanon has focused on integrating the economic and societal benefits of climate action by aligning its NDCs with national development plans. A Lebanon Green Investment Facility will support projects and financial instruments for the private sector. UNDP is supporting these efforts alongside the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank.

Peru has estimated that around 40 percent of the US$91 billion funding gap needed to implement its NDC priorities between now and 2030 is best suited for private sector investments. Plans for green finance and for private and finance sector engagement have been prepared, along with a permanent consultative group that includes 20 of the country’s largest business groups. Preparations for green bonds and carbon bonds are well underway.

As Serbia begins the move away from coal as the dominant energy source it’s also ensuring that the transition is equitable. With support from UNDP, the government of Japan and the EU, the government is defining a strategy to ensure that all those dependent on the intensive use of fossil fuels will not be left behind. Business models and green technology investments that help to de-carbonize the economy and industry will be advanced.

UNDP and ILO worked with Zimbabwe on a green jobs assessment. It found climate policies present a huge potential for job creation, especially for women and young people. In conservation agriculture alone, up to 30,000 jobs could be created for every $1million invested.

The right side of history

The decisions we make today will affect not only the almost 8 billion people who live on our planet, but every person in every generation to come.

We do not need to choose between solving the energy crisis, the food security crisis, the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis.

Every dollar invested in renewable energy creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry, while energy efficiency investments can create five times as many.

Early adaptation investments offer a 1:3 rate of return over the next decade, and a $1.8 trillion investment in adaptation measures would save $7.1 trillion in avoided costs.

Sustainably managed forests could create $230 billion in business opportunities and 16 million jobs by 2030.

UNDP calls on all governments, private sector, civil society and communities to champion and invest in responding to this global emergency.

We need political will, technical and financial support to drive the much-needed transformation toward net zero and climate resilience. The world has made promises through NDCs – now we must fulfill them.

For the original article and additional visuals, visit https://stories.undp.org/cop27-a-chance-to-act?utm_source=social&utm_medium=undp&utm_campaign=cop27

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UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2022

Climate change is landing blow after blow upon humanity and the planet, an onslaught that will only intensify in the coming years even if the world begins to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2022: Too Little, Too Slow – Climate adaptation failure puts world at risk finds that the world must urgently increase efforts to adapt to these impacts of climate change. 

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Adaptation Gap Report 2022

Published by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on 3 November 2022

Climate change is landing blow after blow upon humanity and the planet, an onslaught that will only intensify in the coming years even if the world begins to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2022: Too Little, Too Slow – Climate adaptation failure puts world at risk finds that the world must urgently increase efforts to adapt to these impacts of climate change. 

What’s new in this year’s report? 

The report looks at progress in planning, financing and implementing adaptation actions. At least 84 per cent of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have established adaptation plans, strategies, laws and policies – up 5 per cent from the previous year. The instruments are getting better at prioritizing disadvantaged groups, such as Indigenous peoples. 

However, financing to turn these plans and strategies into action isn’t following. International adaptation finance flows to developing countries are 5-10 times below estimated needs and the gap is widening. Estimated annual adaptation needs are USD 160-340 billion by 2030 and USD 315-565 billion by 2050.

Implementation of adaptation actions – concentrated in agriculture, water, ecosystems and cross-cutting sectors – is increasing. However, without a step change in support, adaptation actions could be outstripped by accelerating climate risks, which would further widen the adaptation implementation gap.

The report looks at the benefits of prioritizing actions that both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help communities adapt, such as nature-based solutions, and calls for countries to step up funding and implementation of adaptation actions. Additionally, the report discusses adaptation effectiveness and looks at adaptation-mitigation linkages and co-benefits. 

Access the full report here: https://www.unep.org/resources/adaptation-gap-report-2022

or download the attached PDF of the report.

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UNEP Publication launch: Adaptation Gap Report 2022
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will launch the 2022 edition of the Adaptation Gap Report in a virtual press conference in the lead up to the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
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The report provides an update on the global status and progress of the adaptation process across three elements: planning, financing, and implementation. This edition also focuses on the effectiveness of adaptation and considers adaptation-mitigation co-benefits.

When: Thursday, 3 November 2022; 6:00 am EDT/1:00 pm EAT/11:00 am CET

Where: UNEP YouTube Live | UN WebTV

Duration: 45 minutes

Panelists:

  • Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR)
  • Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Henry Neufeldt, Chief Scientific Editor of the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2022 (UNEP-CCC)

Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/events/publication-launch/adaptation-gap-report-2022

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3 Essentials for Integrated Urban Climate Action

At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), more than 1,100 cities representing a quarter of global CO2 emissions signed up to the Cities Race to Zero. In doing so, they committed to ambitious, inclusive and equitable climate action to hold global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F). At COP27 next month, these cities will be expected to demonstrate progress and explain how they plan to deliver on their commitments.

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3 Essentials for Integrated Urban Climate Action

Published by TheCityFix (blog by WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities) on 21 October 2022

Authors: Michael Doust, Nathalie Badaoui and Leo Horn-Phathanothai  

Guadalajara’s metropolitan municipalities commit to achieve net-zero emissions while addressing social inequalities through metro-level projects, such as a new 42-kilometer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. Photo: Alvarado/Shutterstock

Cities have never been more engaged on climate action.

With cities accounting for up to 70% of global CO2 emissions and urban areas being especially exposed to the impacts of climate change, city action is critical to achieving an inclusive, resilient, zero-carbon and nature-focused future, especially in the context of the current global energy crisis. Fortunately, cities are uniquely positioned to drive just the kind of ambitious climate action that scientists say is needed.

By using existing technologies and policy options across buildings, transportation, materials and waste, research shows cities can reduce emissions by 90% by 2050. At the same time, transitioning to low-carbon and resilient infrastructure can improve quality of life, health, and access to economic opportunities of the most vulnerable populations by bridging the “urban services divide.”

To help cities on their journey, we propose three essentials to advancing climate action in cities:

1) Make Climate Action About People

Cities need to balance a wide range of competing priorities. For many, issues such as public health, housing and economic growth rank above climate change in the concerns of most citizens and local authorities. Traditional climate mitigation and adaptation entry points are often insufficient in persuading cities to take action at the scale and pace necessary.

To succeed and provide new motivations to act, cities need to make connections between their wider environmental, social and economic goals and climate action — a concept we refer to as “integrated climate action.”

Integrated climate action begins with integrated planning, which actively seeks out synergies between mitigation and adaptation goals and other local priorities such as economic growth, clean air, energy security, housing, access to services, etc. These synergies aren’t hard to find. Climate change is inextricably linked to tackling social and economic inequalities. Our research shows how closing the urban services divide —reducing inequalities city residents’ abilities to access decent housing, clean water, sewer systems, electricity, transport and jobs — can be one of the most powerful entry points for advancing ambitious climate action.

Cities around the world are already leading the way. For example, Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara Climate Action Plan (CAP) shows how climate action can drive cross-sectoral collaboration across jurisdictions. All nine of Guadalajara’s metropolitan municipalities committed to a achieve net-zero emissions while addressing social and spatial inequalities through metro-level projects, such as a new 42-kilometer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The project prioritizes giving the area’s most vulnerable groups access to public transport and improved air quality.

Similarly, in Mumbai, where 50% of the population lives in informal settlements, the city’s Climate Action Plan aims to increase poor households’ access to climate-resilient housing, green spaces, cooling and health centers to jointly tackle emissions, heat-related risks and socio-spatial inequalities.

2) Get Ready for Integrated Implementation

Incremental mitigation and adaptation projects advanced in isolation, under sectoral silos, will be insufficient. Cities’ need a whole-system approach that unlocks collaboration across sectors and institutional boundaries, effectively embedding climate goals in all key decision-making for a — such as strategic, land use and budgetary planning.

For example, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil embedded targets from its Sustainable Development and Climate Action Plan in its current five-year strategic plan (2021-2024). By doing so, the current city administration ensures that climate action is implemented in a cross-cutting way across multiple city departments — everything from health care to ecosystem services management to innovation and green jobs. It also ensures budget is allocated appropriately for climate action implementation.

Land use planning is oftentimes one of the most powerful policy instruments cities have at their disposal for implementing transformative climate action. Victoria Gasteiz, Spain, for example, prioritizes community engagement, compact land use, sustainable mobility, and public and green spaces in its land use planning. These initiatives can simultaneously foster mitigation, adaptation and equity. With shifts from car travel to low-carbon mobility like biking and walking, the city’s CO2 emissions dropped by 42%. Promoting urban green spaces countered urban sprawl, increased biodiversity, reduced pollution and urban heat islands, and improved water management. Re-densification and rehabilitation of the city center has kept housing affordable and increased equitable access to urban services like public transport.

3) Get the Right People Together

Local governments do not operate in isolation, and many of the levers to accelerate mitigation, increase climate resilience and ensure equitable benefits lie beyond cities’ direct authority. Research from the Coalition for Urban Transitions estimates that 37% of urban mitigation potential requires collaborative action among national, state and city governments.

Responding to the climate emergency requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, where cities actively collaborate with regions, other cities, businesses and national policymakers to unlock investments for urban climate action while raising the bar for more ambitious climate action at the national level.

The Mexican Climate Community is an example of how sub-national governments can collaborate for zero-carbon development. This network of municipal-, state- and federal-level public servants promotes training, peer-to-peer exchange and tailored support on projects ranging from energy efficiency to nature-based solutions to low-carbon transport. It also connects sub-national governments with the private sector to help achieve cities’ Race to Zero pledges.

WRI’s Urban Water Resilience Initiative is another example of the complex governance required for integrated climate action. Through this initiative, a coalition including research institutes, civil society actors, development agencies, national governments, businesses, private investment groups, national banks and consultancies are tackling technical and financial barriers to improve water resilience in six cities in Ethiopia, Rwanda and South Africa. The initiative will soon launch the African Cities Water Adaptation Fund (ACWA Fund) to support 100 African cities in financing urban water resilience measures by 2032.

Integrated Climate Action Means Accelerated Climate Action

Achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century and rapidly increasing our resilience to extreme weather is a must if the world is to have any chance of tackling the climate crisis. To meet these goals in a way that enhances justice and equity, reduces the urban services divide, and protects nature necessitates an integrated and collaborative approach. It also requires improved accountability mechanisms to ensure that cities and their partners deliver on their commitments.

Cities are finally making ambitious climate action promises. Now comes the hard part of turning promises into progress.

Retrieved from https://thecityfix.com/blog/3-essentials-for-integrated-urban-climate-action/

This article originally appeared on WRI’s Insights.

Michael Doust is Director of Urban Efficiency & Climate for WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.

Nathalie Badaoui is Senior Manager for Integrated Climate Action at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.

Leo Horn-Phathanothai is Head of WRI’s UK Office and Director for Strategy and Partnerships at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.

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