While urbanization has brought great benefits and opportunities, cities are a major contributor to climate change. They consume 78% of the world's energy and produce more than 60% of all human-related carbon dioxide emissions. Hence, it is particularly important to address the environmental implications of urbanization and bring national urban policies to the forefront of negotiations.
The new guide is based on a thorough review of existing national urban policies in more than 30 countries, and is addressed primarily to decision-makers and stakeholders engaged in the formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of national urban policy. The recommendations serve to support low-carbon and climate-resilient urban development through effective vertical integration of climate action and collaboration between national government and local authorities. UN Habitat plans to use this tool to support interested countries engaged in the development of national urban policy strengthen their policy through improved consideration of climate change. Furthermore, this tool can support both the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.
