Climate Hotspots: World Bank Supports Cities

May 16, 2016 - 75% of all large cities are located on coasts, putting most cities at risk of flooding from rising sea levels and powerful storms. In most countries, the urban poor have a higher exposure to flood risk than the average urban population. The World Bank’s new Climate Action Plan helps cities adapt to and mitigate the effects of severe weather and storms, increasing climate-related lending and assistance to the urban poor. Cities are hotspots for global emissions and climate vulnerability, so it’s no wonder they are pushing for action on climate change.

Nowhere was that more evident than at COP21 in Paris, where 451 cities – representing over 1 billion people – pledged to reduce emissions by more than 50% over 15 years. At the Climate Action Summit held in Washington, DC, last week, leaders from around the world gathered to advance concrete actions that will make the historic Paris agreement a reality. The World Bank’s recently released Climate Action Plan aims to help developing countries deliver on their national climate plans submitted for the historic climate agreement.

The plan sets ambitious targets over the next five years, including support for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. “Cities are on the front lines of climate change,” said Ede Ijjasz-Vasquez, Senior Director for the World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice. “Cities are responsible for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and bear up to 80% of climate adaptation costs. We’re working to help countries increase renewable energy, decrease high-carbon sources, develop green transport systems, and build sustainable, livable cities for growing urban populations.”