Urban decarbonization: Priorities for COP 30

The Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to an increase of 1.5°C was breached for the first time in 2024, and current policies may only limit warming to an increase of 2.7°C. To avoid catastrophic climate impacts, greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced, requiring rapid, large-scale decarbonization across sectors and major shifts in human behavior.

Cities, which produce 75% of global CO2 emissions, are central to this challenge. Many key transformations- such as retrofitting buildings, promoting green businesses, electrifying transport, and building sustainable infrastructure- occur at the municipal level. However, siloed governance often hampers coordinated action. Effective urban decarbonization demands collaboration among policymakers, planners, businesses, and communities to accelerate equitable climate solutions.

Scheduled ahead of COP30 in Brazil this November, this Cell Press Forum on Sustainability will convene experts to explore the collective impact of city and corporate climate pledges, the socio-economic equity of decarbonization policies, urban planning’s influence on household sustainability, and the balance between climate mitigation and adaptation in cities.

This webinar will be recorded to watch on demand after the live event. Register for the event to join the discussion and receive a notification when the recording is available.