Urban Low Emission Development Strategy

Project summary

With the increased demand for energy and other services in urban areas driven by rapid population growth, human activities are a growing proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the climate challenge. We need urgent action that will substantially contribute to the Paris Agreement climate targets, to stay well below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The Urban-LEDS II project helps local governments to implement integrated low emission and resilient development by offering guidance, tools, and technical assistance; mobilizing cities to commit to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM); exploring access to financing; and supporting multilevel governance. The project also supports the improvement of effective monitoring and reporting systems through an integrated MRV (Measuring, Reporting, and Verifying) process, vital to tracking progress and accelerating climate action within cities.

Local governments’ planning and implementation of climate action will not only lead to regional benefits, but will also support national climate action plans that effectively contribute to global climate change mitigation and adaptation, and also provide access to secure, affordable, and sustainable energy.