Cities and towns play a crucial role in the social and economic development of countries. Strong urban economies are indispensable for generating the resources needed for public and private investments in infrastructure, education, health, improved living conditions and, particularly, poverty alleviation.
The depletion of natural resources and the impact of a changing climate have become serious challenges to the full realisation of the socio-economic contribution that cities can make. These challenges entail huge costs, resulting in enormous inefficiencies in the use of local resources, with the poorest and most disadvantaged people suffering the most. In this regard, disaster preparedness - through risk assessments, participatory spatial planning, infrastructure maintenance and building codes - will be critical to increasing urban resilience in the event of natural and climate related disasters. Charting a path between promoting socio-economic growth and tackling environmental challenges requires the joint efforts of policymakers, urban planners and dedicated authorities, as well as the private sector and NGOs.
In many UNECE member countries, cities are already leading the transition towards a green economy and low-carbon development. Due to their compact urban form and high population density, urban areas are natural testing grounds for achieving resource efficient and green economic growth.
This report outlines a range of systemic interrelated measures for a progressive transformation towards low-energy, low-carbon, highly resilient and ultimately climate neutral cities. Its recommendations fall under four main headings, with coordination through a well-managed city-level framework being perhaps the most essential ingredient for success.
Waste management: Options and criteria for recycling, the production of biofuels and incineration.
Low-carbon mobility: Disincentives for using cars, along with the promotion of non-motorised and good public transport, and the introduction of alternative fuels infrastructure.
Urban energy infrastructure: Incentives to stimulate increased use of renewable energy, and promote energy-efficient technologies and intelligent electric grid systems for city facilities.
The report concludes by introducing a city roadmap for climate neutrality with guidelines for setting up an organisational framework and to developing priority actions.
