NEWS ROUNDUP 2021 | Happy World Cities Day!

On Sunday we celebrate World Cities Day, this year focused on adapting to climate change and building urban resilience. It is important to remember that truly resilient cities and regions not only tackle the climate emergency, but also address the biodiversity and health crises simultaneously.

As the world prepares for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, arguably the most significant global climate summit since the historic Paris Agreement was signed six years ago, we see some key nations making strong commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Urban leaders are already playing a vital role in translating these commitments into action. For example, more than 1 000 local governments reported on their ambitious climate actions into the CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System for 2021.

Just this month, the world’s nations also gathered for the first part of the 15th Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties (CBD COP 15) to move commitments forward on building a world at peace with nature.

When we start finding ways to reduce emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, protect biodiversity and strengthen the health and wellbeing of our communities through reconnecting with nature, we see that we can create real transformative change and urban resilience.

We hope that COP26 is the defining moment where nature’s central role in the global climate response is incorporated in bold decisions and commitments. The most vulnerable to climate change must be our first priority. The good news is that we have many of the solutions necessary to achieve a Just Energy Transition, where access to clean and safe energy is increased, and finance unlocked, for transformational resilience building in our most vulnerable communities.