World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action

UN-Habitat has unveiled its latest World Cities Report, focusing on the pressing challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization. Released to coincide with the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum, the report warns that over 2 billion city dwellers could face an additional temperature increase of at least 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2040. The report reveals that efforts to combat climate change in urban areas are falling short of the scale required to address escalating challenges.

A critical theme of the report is the significant funding gap for resilient urban infrastructure. Cities need an estimated USD 4.5 to 5.4 trillion annually to develop and maintain climate-resilient systems, yet current financing stands at just USD 831 billion – only a fraction of the required amount. This shortfall leaves cities, and especially their most vulnerable populations, increasingly exposed to risk.

The Executive Director of UN-Habitat (centre) addressing the press during the launch of the World Cities Report 2024 [UN-Habitat]

The findings also reveal that some climate interventions have inadvertently worsened conditions for vulnerable communities. Instances of “green gentrification,” where initiatives like park creation displace low-income households or drive up property values, highlight the need for more equitable climate solutions.
Despite these challenges, the report encourages a shift in perspective, urging stakeholders to recognize urban areas as not only part of the problem but also integral to the solution. “Knowledge is the cornerstone of effective climate action, and the insights we gather today are critical in shaping future frameworks like the forthcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat during a press conference on the launch of the report. “The recently published World Cities Report 2024 serves as a testament to the importance of integrating urban realities into climate discussions. As we prepare for COP29, we are committed to leveraging knowledge to inform strategies that resonate with both local and global efforts.”

The UN-Habitat Executive Director presents the World Cities Report 2024 during a press conference at the World Urban Forum 12 [UN-Habitat]

The World Cities Report advocates for a stronger urban focus in climate strategies, emphasizing the need to align climate action with broader development goals, including improved services, poverty reduction, and public health. It calls for integrated climate considerations across sectors, enabling cities to make effective, sustainable investments.
Finally, the report underscores the necessity for climate action to be participatory and community-led, urging the development of locally appropriate solutions that address the unique needs of residents, particularly in informal settlements and low-income neighbourhoods that have often been sidelined in decision-making processes.

Site Map

Media

Join WEDO