COP28: Resilient Cities Leading Climate Action

Context: Held in Dubai, COP28 saw discussions on the Global Stock Taking of the Paris climate deals and the Loss and Damage Fund.

Urban Focus: This COP highlighted urban issues in climate action, considering cities' significant contributions to GHG emissions.

Urbanization and Climate Change:

Global Trend: More than half of the world's population now lives in cities, consuming a major share of energy and contributing to CO2 emissions.

COP28 Discussions on Cities: A special day was dedicated to urbanization and climate change, involving various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of cities in meeting Paris commitments.

Role of Subnational Governments:

Advocacy for Recognition: Leaders like Warsaw's Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski argued for formally recognizing the role of cities and regions in climate negotiations.

Call for Direct Actions and Support: There's a push for direct financing, technical assistance, and multilevel governance to enable cities to drive climate ambitions.

Challenges in the Global South:

Vulnerabilities: Cities in the Global South face unique challenges, including widespread informal employment, climateinduced disasters, and social inequities.

Empowerment and Support Needed: These cities require radical shifts in governance and financial support to participate effectively in climate action.

Inclusion in Climate Action Plans:

Limited City Representation: City leaders and civil society groups often find themselves excluded from Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans.

Need for Inclusive Planning: To ensure effective climate action, cities should be integral to planning processes, both in global forums and national strategies.

Case Example: Chennai:

Leading Climate Action: Chennai aims to meet zero emission targets by 2050, ahead of India's national goal, showcasing the proactive role cities can play.

Conclusion: COP28, despite its limitations, underscored the crucial role of urban areas in climate action and the need for acknowledging their interconnectedness with social justice and global climate strategies.

SRIRAM’s