Executive Summary
Given that more than half of the world's population lives in cities, these places have the power to
decide on climate change policies and match them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They present chances to take use of the synergies between SDGs and climate action, reducing the
cost of mitigation and fostering collaborations among several stakeholders. However, institutional
and governance constraints, information gaps, and a lack of comprehension of specific initiatives in
important sectors prevent synergies from always being realized. By emphasizing demand-side
action, four sectors with win-win potential, and three types of governance reforms that can revitalize
synergy in cities, this paper seeks to fill these knowledge gaps. In order to successfully execute
synergies, the report also describes governance and enabling changes that cities might apply, such as
enhancing multi-level and cross-sectoral integration, building urban-rural partnerships, and engaging
in transnational city networks.
Introduction: Why Cities?
Strengthening the Nexus Between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate
Planning:
Integrating climate planning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for
achieving a sustainable future. This report highlights the importance of this nexus, the pivotal role of
cities, and the variations in approaches based on city types.
Importance of Integration:
1. Interdependence of Goals: Progress on many SDGs is contingent upon effective climate action.
Conversely, addressing climate change can support multiple development objectives.
2. Integrated Infrastructure Planning: Coordinated planning for infrastructure can yield significant
benefits, such as:
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Improved public health through cleaner air and green spaces.
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Job creation in emerging green sectors.
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Enhanced resilience against climate impacts.
3. Access to Climate Finance: Aligning climate objectives with development goals can attract
diverse funding sources, ensuring that climate finance also addresses broader development priorities.
4. Enhanced Coordination: Integration fosters collaboration across government agencies and
stakeholders, building coalitions that drive transformative change.
The Role of Cities:
Cities are uniquely positioned to lead these efforts for several reasons:
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Major Contributors to Emissions: Responsible for over 70% of global GHG emissions, cities
must spearhead mitigation strategies.
Home to Over Half the Global Population: As urban areas grow, they create an urgent
demand for low-carbon infrastructure, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Leapfrogging Potential: Cities can bypass traditional fossil fuel pathways by investing
directly in renewable energy, leveraging emerging technologies and digital financial
services.
Innovation Hubs: Concentrated resources, knowledge sharing, and economic opportunities
foster innovative solutions to urban challenges.
Agility and Network Effects:
Cities often demonstrate greater agility than national governments, enabling:
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Experimentation and Learning: Cities can test and refine solutions in real-time, scaling
successful initiatives rapidly.
Network Effects: Successful strategies can spread quickly from one city to another,
enhancing regional resilience and innovation.
Diversity Among Cities
While cities can lead in climate and SDG integration, significant differences exist:
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Types of Cities: Rapidly growing cities in Asia and Africa differ from established OECD
cities, influencing their strategic approaches.
Urban Form: Sprawling versus compact cities face different challenges and opportunities in
implementing synergistic strategies.
Governance Variability: Differences in governance capacities, coordination mechanisms,
and powers affect how cities connect climate goals with other SDGs.
Current Actions and Initiatives
Many cities are actively pursuing climate action and responding to the SDGs:
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Climate Plans: Over a thousand cities have adopted climate plans focusing on GHG
reduction and sustainable energy solutions (Bery & Haddad, 2023).
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Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs): 145 cities have submitted VLRs to structure local efforts
towards achieving the SDGs, with a notable emphasis on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and
Communities). There is a growing recognition of the importance of SDG 13 (Climate
Action) within these frameworks.
Case Study: Helsinki
Helsinki exemplifies a city successfully integrating climate actions with sustainability goals. The
city’s initiatives highlight the potential for ambitious climate strategies to align with broader urban
sustainability objectives, serving as a model for others to follow.
Strengthening the nexus between climate planning and the SDGs is essential for sustainable urban
development. Cities are uniquely positioned to leverage this integration, fostering innovation,
resilience, and collaboration. By recognizing and adapting to the diverse contexts of urban
environments, cities can lead the way in achieving both climate goals and sustainable development
outcomes.