“World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action”

Current Context : Recently, UN-Habitat released World Cities Report 2024.

Relevant data of report :

• Climate Impact on Urban Populations: Over 2 billion city residents could face an additional temperature rise of at least 0.5°C by 2040.
• Funding Shortfall: Cities need $4.5-5.4 trillion annually for climate-resilient systems but current funding is only $831 billion.
• Reduced Green Spaces: Urban green spaces have declined globally, from 20% in 1990 to 14% in 2020.
• Vulnerable Communities: Some climate actions, like creating parks, have displaced low-income groups (“green gentrification”).

About UN-Habitat

• Establishment: Created in 1978 after the first UN Conference on Human Settlements in 1976 (Habitat I).
• Headquarters: Located in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Mandate: Focuses on sustainable urban development, ensuring cities are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Key Goal: Advocates for achieving SDG 11(Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Initiatives:

1. World Cities Report: Provides insights into urban trends and challenges.
2. National Urban Policies: Supports countries in formulating policies for sustainable urbanization.

Flagship Campaigns:

• World Habitat Day(October) and World Cities Day (October 31) to promote urban awareness.