The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nature in urban environments, providing solace and a sense of well-being during lockdowns. At the ICLEI World Congress, local and subnational governments, alongside WHO experts and NGOs, discussed the potential of Nature-based Solutions to address biodiversity loss and climate change while enhancing urban health.
Digital tools increasingly play a role for cities as they design strategies to combat climate change. Learn how cities around the world are leveraging AI and technology is crucial for building sustainable and resilient urban environments.
In a world increasingly shaped by the climate emergency, cities are stepping into the forefront of resilience and sustainability efforts. During the ICLEI World Congress’ plenary “Our Changing World,” ICLEI Members and experts discussed how cities can leverage local initiatives to drive global impact, emphasizing the urgency of integrated approaches to mitigate environmental risks and build climate-resilient communities worldwide.
Integrating equity into climate mitigation is essential for creating sustainable cities that serve all residents, particularly marginalized communities. However, this integration faces challenges such as addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and overcoming departmental silos. Initiatives like the INCLU:DE project and the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive and Equitable Communities exemplify successful strategies, promoting inclusive planning, inner-city collaboration, and equity-based methodologies.
Water challenges often exacerbate social inequalities. Examples from São Paulo, Puducherry, and Boulder showcase innovative practices such as data-driven decision-making, valuing natural water storage, and community engagement in water management.
Urban areas can restore ecosystems and improve residents’ well-being. Cities like São Paulo, Puducherry, and Austin showcased innovative strategies for urban resilience and economic growth, proving that systemic change for a sustainable future is possible.
Transforming our urban food systems has emerged as one of the most comprehensive strategies to tackle the many challenges faced by cities. At the Food Session of ICLEI’s World Congress in Brazil, panelists from São Paulo to Chefchaoen to Barcelona shared concrete examples of their efforts toward sustaining healthy people, healthy landscapes, and a healthy planet.
The ICLEI World Congress 2024 Opening Ceremony resounded with a clarion call for multilevel action and cooperation to drive sustainable development. Over 1200 attendees gathered to celebrate the vital role of global networks in connecting cities, towns, regions, and communities worldwide, further accelerating ambitious climate action.
On 18 June, the first day of the ICLEI World Congress 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil, the Global Research & Innovation Symposium will convene researchers, innovators, urban practitioners, and investors to foster a new generation of “next practices.” Significant topics will shape this seventh edition, including high-level plenaries on the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (SRCC) and discussions on agenda-setting innovation and emerging technologies. The event also features its signature Research & Innovation Marketplace, offering an interactive space for bridging the gap between concepts, action, research, and financial support.
At the midpoint between COP28 and COP29, the Bonn Climate Talks (SB60), held in Bonn, Germany during these past two weeks, built upon last year’s outcomes from Dubai, aiming to drive progress and prepare decisions for adoption in Baku in November 2024. Running alongside the SB60 sessions on 3-5 June, Daring Cities 2024 Bonn Dialogues embodied multilevel action by positioning cities and regions at the center of global climate discussions. This fifth edition featured significant milestones, including a CHAMP endorsers roundtable, the first joint public dialogue between UN High-Level Climate Champions and fostered synergies across diverse topics, including climate-land-nature, loss and damage and urban systems.
Travis County, Texas has embraced a multifaceted approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger (SDG 2) while…
On 5 June 2024, Mayor Ricardo Nunes announced a package of concrete actions to enhance sustainability in São Paulo. Among…