The World Bank estimates that about 4.4 billion people, or 56% of the global population, live in cities. However, they are among the most vulnerable to global warming; many cities throughout the world experience "urban heat islands."
This phenomenon indicates that the average temperature of a city is higher than in its surroundings. This phenomenon is caused by several factors, such as the use of construction materials that reflect less heat and absorb more, leading to an increase in city temperatures, especially during rising temperatures.
High temperatures.
The "Emissions Gap Report 2024" stated that current human activities might lead average global temperatures to rise by 2.6 to 3.1 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
On the other hand, according to a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report issued in October 2024, the concentrations of the three major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, are increasing.
This indicates that temperatures are continuing to climb, implying that cities or urban areas in general are still at risk.
COP29
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29), which begins in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, on November 11 and 22, 2024, will dedicate a day to urbanization, tourism, and transportation.
The United Nations' "Global Cities" report for 2024, which provided some clear guidelines and policies in this regard, will make numerous announcements during the conference days to help cities and urban areas achieve sustainability, particularly in light of the urgent need to adapt and build resilience capacities in the face of climate change. The paper also promotes the concept of a just climate transition.
The "COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane Emissions from Organic Waste," which aims to minimize the amount of methane gas that threatens to rise temperatures, is among the announcements and pledges expected during the conference days. Methane is one of the most hazardous greenhouse gases, with a warming capacity 80 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Baku Expectations
We also anticipate the release of the "COP29 Multi-Sectoral Action Pathways Declaration for Resilient and Healthy Cities," which seeks to strengthen city resilience and promote urban climate finance. In the context of the parties' financial conference, the desire for financial resources to enhance city resilience presents significant potential.
There is also the "COP29 Pledge on Green Energy Zones and Corridors," which will help develop infrastructure and improve green energy corridors. This is particularly crucial considering the growing daily energy needs of urban residents for both personal consumption and other uses. Supporting such a vow promotes the transition to renewable energy.
The COP will hold a tourism day for the first time following the adoption of the COP29 Declaration on Enhancing Action in Tourism. Including this day on the agenda will promote awareness of the tourism industry's climate effect, help reduce emissions, and make it more sustainable. This benefits towns around the world, as many old cities attract millions of visitors each year.
COP29 seeks to increase awareness about the sustainability of cities and their importance to people's lives and health. As people move to cities and the burden on them grows, it is critical to take decisive action.
