World Cities Report 2024. Cities and Climate Action
The World Cities Report 2024, published by UN-Habitat, addresses the critical and complex relationship between urbanisation and climate change, highlighting cities as both vulnerable hotspots and powerful agents for change. This report explores how urban areas—accounting for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions—are on the front lines of climate impacts, from devastating heatwaves and severe storms to rising sea levels. Yet, while urban centres are highly exposed to climate risks, they also hold significant potential to drive climate action through innovative and inclusive solutions.
The report reveals how cities worldwide are adopting community-driven initiatives, strengthening resilience, and pursuing low-carbon pathways to mitigate environmental challenges. These actions, however, must consider the needs of marginalized communities, including those in informal settlements, women, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. Cities have the opportunity to address social inequities intensified by climate change, promoting adaptation strategies that enhance quality of life, improve public health, reduce poverty, and create sustainable infrastructure.
Moreover, World Cities Report 2024 stresses the importance of multi-level governance, climate-responsive urban policies, and adequate financial resources to enable cities to lead this transformative agenda. The report calls for bold commitments and localised climate data to empower cities and their communities to forge inclusive pathways to climate resilience, demonstrating that sustainable urban development and climate action are deeply interconnected.
