Resource information
The report discusses the link between
climate change and cities, why cities should be concerned
about climate change and adopt early preventative policies,
and how the World Bank and other organizations can provide
further support to cities on climate change issues. The
report is one in a series of activities that explore the
nexus of cities and climate change. This report, cities and
climate change: an urgent agenda focuses on three broad
issues pertaining to cities and climate change. This paper
argues that climate change is an urgent agenda for cities
for two reasons. First, climate change is a cumulative
process. Second, embracing the climate change agenda now
makes eminent sense from an individual city's
perspective, be it economic, social, or political. It shows
that the city is part of the global sustainable development
agenda. This report presents an urgent situation. In rapidly
growing cities, especially in Asia, current development
paths are locking in emissions and lifestyles. Many people,
particularly the poor, are already affected by climate
change. The next decade will be particularly challenging.
Cities will take a more active role in global dialogues and
policy development as citizen's demand more
comprehensive and immediate responses from all levels of government.
