Urban Areas Where Climate Battle Will Be Won or Lost, Secretary-General Says on World Cities Day, Calls for Innovation in Transport, Building Design
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Cities Day, observed on 31 October:
More than half the world’s population now lives in urban areas. By 2050, two thirds will do so. Much of what will be needed to house and serve this increasingly urban world has yet to be constructed, and even some new cities will need to be built. This brings enormous opportunities to develop and implement solutions that can address the climate crisis and pave the way toward a sustainable future.
Cities consume more than two thirds of the world’s energy, and account for more than 70 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The choices that will be made on urban infrastructure in the coming decades — on urban planning, energy efficiency, power generation and transport — will have decisive influence on the emissions curve. Indeed, cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost.
But in addition to their enormous climate footprint, cities generate more than 80 per cent of global gross domestic product and, as centres of education and entrepreneurship, they are hubs of innovation and creativity, with young people often taking the lead.
From electric public transport to renewable energy and better waste management, many of the answers needed for the transition to a sustainable, low-emission future are already available. Cities around the world are turning them into a reality. It is encouraging to see this happening, but we need this vision to become the new norm. Now is the time for ambitious action.
World Cities Day comes at the end of “urban October”, a month dedicated to raising awareness on urban challenges, successes and sustainability. As we conclude this period, let us commit to embracing innovation to ensure a better life for future generations and chart a path towards sustainable, inclusive urban development that benefits all.