Addressing Climate Challenges in ECA Cities

Much of the world’s built environment is
found in urban areas, and cities are thought to be
responsible for up to 70 percent of global greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, and up to 80 percent of primary energy
demand. Most of the energy consumed in the world fuels urban
industry, powers urban homes and offices, and moves people
within and between cities. This paper is about climate
change mitigation in cities, and will primarily look at how
local authorities can provide a higher quality of life for
their citizens while at the same time achieving higher
resource efficiency. It will also look at how climate change
mitigation measures could help boost local employment and
drive economic growth. The focus will be on buildings
(residential, commercial, and office), public services
infrastructure (water, sewage, solid waste management, and
public lighting), and urban form. Other topics of interest
in this respect, such as transport and industrial production
will be discussed tangentially in relation to the other
topics (e.g. urban form influences and is influenced by
transport patterns and strategies).