Cities are the level at which most emissions are recorded. The world’s cities consume 60–80% of natural resources, producing 50% of global waste and 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. And this is set to increase: 75% of EU citizens live in urban areas; 66% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050; and cities’ global carbon footprint is predicted to triple by 2030.

The European Parliament finally declared a ‘climate emergency’ in 2019 and the European Commission’s Green Deal sets a target of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Many URBACT cities are developing their own strategies, activities, and partnerships to move towards greater integration and transversality in their local climate policies:

• Zero Carbon Cities is an Action Planning Network made of 7 cities working on science-based carbon reduction targets, policies and action plans, to contribute to the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement and the EU’s strategic vision for carbon neutrality by 2050
• Urb-En Pact is an Action Planning Network made of 8 metropolitan areas aiming to become Net Zero Energy territories no later than 2050
• Global Goals for Cities is a pilot network and strategic partnership aimed at accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in 19 cities
• C-Change was a Transfer Network working on the role of arts and culture in supporting climate action

How food is at the heart of the global response to the climate emergency?

<<< Visit the Food Knowledge Hub

How a circular economy is key to combat climate change?

<<< Check the work of URBACT networks URGE and Resourceful Cities

How to transform tourism for local sustainable action?

<<< Visit URBACT network Tourism Friendly Cities

Why health needs to be incorporated into broader action planning?

<<< Check the work of URBACT networks Health & Greenspace and Healthy Cities