Accounting for up to 70% of global emissions and home to 55% of the global population, cities are at the forefront of this challenge and have a vital role to play in meeting global climate targets. By taking actions to cut emissions and reduce vulnerabilities, cities can gain multiple co-benefits from climate action.
This report discusses the current state of mitigation actions and co-benefits reported by cities, for example:
- Improving building energy efficiency through retrofits
- Switching to more energy-efficient street lighting
- Installing on-site renewable energy generation on buildings
- Increasing low or zero carbon energy generation
- Improving building codes and standards for new builds
It also provides examples of how cities are embedding co-benefits in their climate action planning. The document finishes by considering key lessons and opportunities for cities.