The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst the pressing challenges of global climate change. Despite uncertainties stirred by recent political shifts, the scientific consensus remains clear: urgent and collective action is essential to tackle the climate crisis.
Cities play a pivotal role in this fight. Housing 4.5 billion people and accounting for nearly 75% of global CO2 emissions, urban areas are both highly vulnerable to climate impacts and crucial in mitigating them.
In the Chinese mainland, urbanization rates have surpassed 65% and are expected to reach 70% by 2030. Integrating climate strategies into urban development is vital. By focusing on city renewal, China is embracing a people-centered urbanization strategy that promotes green growth and enhances resilience against escalating climate risks.
A recent study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) highlights significant challenges ahead. Under a 3Ā°C warming scenario, data from 158 Chinese cities indicate a 70% increase in high-temperature days, with regions like the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta facing some of the longest and most intense heatwaves. Additionally, WRI warns of a 13% rise in landslide risks due to extreme rainfall and the northward spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, intensifying health threats in central, western, and northeastern China.
These changes will place immense burdens on public health and infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive urban adaptation strategies.
Climate change is no longer a distant concern; its effects are molding the lives of millions in urban areas. A robust response encompassing both mitigation and adaptation is imperative. Xie Zhenhua, China's former special envoy for climate change, emphasized the necessity for coordinated climate mitigation and collaboration, as well as the implementation of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support developing countries in overcoming life-threatening challenges.
Major economies, especially G20 nations responsible for 80% of global emissions, must ramp up their efforts. Currently, none are on track to meet their net-zero commitments. Investing in climate resilience should be viewed not as a burden but as a strategic investment to prevent the costly repercussions of escalating extreme weather events. Nations must enhance their ambitions, accelerate emissions reductions, and construct resilient infrastructures to safeguard the future.
Reference(s):
Mitigation and adaptation: Building urban resilience to climate risks
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