Collaborative Climate Action – Cities Can’t Do It Alone

Thanks to the newly released report It takes a city: The case for collaborative climate action, we get a vivid overview how cities collaborate with businesses on addressing climate change. The report, provided by CDP and AECOM and sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, includes collected and analyzed data and information from 533 participating cities from 89 countries around the globe.

“Nearly two-thirds (64%) of cities disclosing through CDP in 2016 say they are collaborating with businesses on climate action”

About 64 percent of the 533 participating cities indicate that they maintain business relationships. As stated in the paper, it is easier for cities to set emissions reduction targets if they are collaborating with businesses.

But what exactly means collaboration? Five areas have been identified and evaluated for five regions: Knowledge sharing, business development, planning policy, project implementation and financing. It is noteworthy that there is a comparatively vivid exchange of information and knowledge in North or Latin America with 61 or 38 cities. North America is also leading regarding financing & incentives. When it comes to project implementation, Europe clearly takes first place with 22 cities. The figures are the result of the CDP cities questionnaire.

“Our report shows that cities do not need to go it alone when it comes to responding to climate change. They are recognizing there is power in numbers, which is why so many came together to form the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy this June. By partnering with the private sector, cities can not only spur the growth of new markets, they can deliver even greater emissions reductions. Tackling climate change is an enormous business opportunity. The time has come for cities to seize it.” says Maia Kutner, head of cities at CDP.

Collaborative Climate Action – With a combined value of US$26 billion, 277 cities are seeking private sector involvement on 720 climate-related projects

Some cities have set themselves ambitious goals. By 2040, the city of Stockholm tries to be 100 percent fossil fuel-free. “Stockholm will not be able to meet these objectives on our own – and collaboration is at the center of our climate change strategy.” says the Mayor of Sweden’s capital, Karin Wanngård.

By 2050, the Mayor of New York, City Bill de Blasio, aims to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions up to 80% below 2005 levels. Such a project would not be feasible without the help of so many partners and supporters. “Since 2007, 17 of New York City’s leading universities, 11 global companies, its 11 largest hospital organizations, and 18 residential management firms have accepted the NYC Carbon Challenge, pledging to voluntarily reduce their building-based emissions by 30% or more within 10 years.” the reports states. A good basis for developing towards a sustainable city.