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Urban Issues

Urbanization is a defining trend of the 21st century, with close to three quarters of the global population projected to live in urban settings by 2050. The answer to why city migration is on the rise lies in the many benefits to urban life: enhanced job opportunities, higher incomes, greater access to services, and broader cultural spaces.

With their immense human capital, our cities are huge engines of growth, contributing to nearly 70% of the world’s GDP. But along with this boom comes huge energy consumption, with cities emitting more than 70% of the world’s GHG emissions as well.

Recognizing the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, cities have been leading the way in setting ambitious targets and driving innovative solutions.

Given their environmental footprint, cities can be a transformative force in engineering cleaner and more resilient development pathways. If managed sustainably, urbanization can reduce inequality and the rise in informal settlements and slums, while establishing foundations for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

In fact, addressing climate change begins in cities if we are to stay below 1.5°C of global warming. As countries shift from designing ambition targets to realizing them, enabling leadership and key actors in cities will be critical to meeting these pledges.

Nationally Determined Contributions are key to drive this agenda. Under the Climate Promise, UNDP is collaborating with governments and other stakeholders in 55 countries to enhance climate action at the urban and sub-national levels.

Latest Updates

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"Switching to an electric motorbike was a significant change for me" says Ho Tuan Anh, a shipper from Hue City. Read his story.
Hear to what people in El Salvador have to say about the way climate is changing in the country and how it is impacting them.
As climate change impacts intensify, finance for mitigation and adaptation becomes crucial for Lebanon.

Latest Publications

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This report features 19 countries where central, regional, and local governments have come together to work towards a national climate strategy.