The COP29 negotiations held over the last eight days have brought to light a major point of contention regarding the source of the funds required by developing nations to adapt to the rapidly changing climate. The debate revolves around whether these funds should come from governments, multilateral banks, or the private sector. The need for these funds is crucial as the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and urgent.
While the discussions at COP29 have been focused on this financial aspect, there are other pressing issues related to climate change that are being discussed outside of the negotiations. One of the key challenges highlighted is the need to reduce emissions, adapt to the changing climate, mitigate the effects of the crisis, and protect people from catastrophic weather events. Government officials, heads of UN organizations, climate experts, and leaders of civil society have been emphasizing the importance of taking action on these fronts.
Cities play a significant role in both contributing to global emissions and being disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. With half of the world’s population currently residing in urban areas and an additional 2.4 billion people expected to move to cities within the next 20 years, it is crucial to address the role of cities in climate action. The latest World Cities report by UN-Habitat, the UN agency responsible for human settlements and sustainable urban development, warns that billions of people living in cities could experience a temperature rise of at least 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2040.
Despite the growing risks posed by climate change to urban populations, the measures taken to address these challenges do not match the scale and intensity of the problems faced by cities. Anaclaudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted the threats posed by rapid and unplanned urban development to biodiversity, the environment, and food security. She emphasized the need for adequate funding and cooperation at all levels to address these challenges effectively.
The construction sector, which accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, plays a significant role in exacerbating the climate crisis. Rossbach pointed out that 96 homes need to be built every day to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. She stressed the importance of planning and prioritizing urban development to ensure that social, ecological, and climate needs are addressed in a sustainable manner.
Rossbach called for increased financial support for cities and emphasized the need to address social and housing needs while preserving the planet’s resources. She underscored the importance of taking care of people and the planet, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable urban development. Rossbach’s remarks at the ministerial meeting highlighted the holistic approach needed to tackle the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change.
In a separate session, speakers discussed the ongoing issue of rising emissions, which could undermine efforts to address climate-driven impacts in cities and other areas. The latest report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that global emissions increased by 1.3% in 2023, despite the urgent need to reduce emissions to combat climate change effectively.
The findings of the UNEP report underscore the urgency of taking immediate action to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The need for coordinated efforts at the global level to address these challenges is becoming increasingly apparent. Governments, multilateral banks, the private sector, and civil society must work together to mobilize the necessary funds and resources to support developing nations in adapting to the changing climate.
As the discussions at COP29 continue, it is essential to prioritize climate action and sustainable urban development to ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The challenges posed by climate change require bold and decisive action to protect vulnerable populations, preserve the environment, and build a more sustainable world for future generations. Only by working together can we address the complex and interconnected issues of climate change and urbanization effectively.
