Why Cities Are the Future of Climate Action.

The article focuses on the critical role of cities in achieving the emissions reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, highlighting that urban areas hold up to 40% of the potential needed to meet the 1.5°C climate goal. It emphasizes the intertwined challenges of climate and urban justice, particularly for vulnerable populations in informal settlements, and showcases Brazil's leadership as host of COP30 in Belém, where significant investments in housing and climate risk prevention are underway. The Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), endorsed by 77 countries, promotes the inclusion of cities and regions in national climate planning, yet local governments currently receive less than 10% of climate finance. The article underscores the need for strengthened multilevel coordination, increased climate finance access, and localized implementation to accelerate climate action and sustainable urban development globally.