More than 50% of the world's population lives in cities, which also account for 70% of all CO2 emissions. They are also disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, an increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, and the disruption of crucial infrastructure, such as water and energy systems, make cities in developing countries particularly vulnerable.

The deterioration of the environment in cities puts urban populations at higher risk for health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cities are a major source of poor air quality and are responsible for an estimated 3.7 million premature deaths annually.

By 2050, the increase in temperatures may cause water scarcity for 675 million people living in metropolitan areas. India is ranked 7th among 181 nations in the Global Risk Index 2021 for its susceptibility and vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Thirty Indian towns could experience "severe water scarcity" by 2050, according to the World Wide Fund (WWF). According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, Indian cities will require over $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years to improve infrastructure, modernise energy systems, and insulate houses, offices, and schools against high temperatures.

In an effort to influence G20 priorities and develop next steps for accelerating climate action in India and beyond, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group recently brought together national and international partners to discuss mainstreaming climate action in cities. This was done in collaboration with India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

The event was one of many that were held around India's G20 Presidency under the umbrella of the Urban 20 (U20), which is led this year by the city of Ahmedabad and supported by MoHUA along with a number of partner groups. The U20 communiqué of recommendations, which will be delivered to G20 negotiators later this year, will be informed by its findings.

Participants agreed that cities urgently need to step up climate action and get more funding from national governments and international investors to address vulnerabilities brought on by rising temperatures and rainfall. City governments should use public-private partnerships, municipal green bonds, and other cutting-edge financing options where available and take into account the effects of climate change when making budgetary decisions.

Water security and resilience should be addressed in climate action plans, and institutional and regulatory changes should be taken into account where they are necessary to safeguard and revitalise water resources that are at risk, mainstream integrated urban water resource management, ensure equitable and secure access to water, and lower the risk of flooding and other water-related hazards.

On three of the six current U20 priority areas—accelerating climate finance, ensuring water security, and promoting environmentally responsible behavior—the event in Bangalore promoted cross-sector learning and strengthened city-to-city cooperation. In addition to those participating digitally, some 135 city leaders from across the country and region, as well as experts, funders, and partners, were present.

The meeting in Bangalore featured a number of plenary sessions on three of the six current U20 priority areas, including accelerating climate finance, ensuring water security, and encouraging environmentally responsive behaviour, as well as two masterclasses for city representatives, urban planners, engineers, and others on leveraging nature-based solutions and climate bonds. A number of start-ups focusing on environmental sustainability and climate solutions asked participants to interact with them.

Dr. Divya Sharma, Executive Director - India, The Climate Group; Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist, World Health Organisation; and Randheer Singh, Director, Electric Mobility, NITI Aayog were among the speakers.

“To create sustainable cities, innovative and inclusive city design is crucial. Without it, behaviour nudges and policy changes would not work. Let's tweak policies, implement congestion pricing, and give incentives for sustainable living. We must also broaden the agenda and create neighbourhoods where people can step out and enjoy the city. Telangana's cool roof policy is a great example. Let's demystify climate finance for a better future,” said Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary and Smart Cities Mission Director of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.  

"Sustainable urbanisation is key to meeting sustainable development goals and global climate targets. Let's work towards creating resilient cities for a better future,” said Abhay Thakur, G20 Sous Sherpa. He stressed the significance of emphasising the cultural and local distinctiveness of Indian towns in order to foster a feeling of place, and he added that the G20 aims to host a variety of activities to emphasise the power and distinctive cultures of these cities.

“Cities across India and the world are stepping up as climate leaders, but they continue to face daunting capacity constraints as they pursue urgently needed climate action. That’s why city voices are so vital on the national and international stage. This week’s gathering in Bangalore serves as a clarion call for leaders around the world – from the local to the national level, G20 and beyond – to make our climate a priority,” said Shruti Narayan, C40 Regional Director for South and West Asia.  

“Bengaluru is leading the way in sustainable urban infrastructure, with a strong focus on public transport, solid waste management, and citizen engagement. Role of civil society is crucial for collaborative and cohesive solutions,” said Rakesh Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka.  

Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, three of the six C40 city members in India, have joined the C40 Urban Nature Accelerator to hasten the development of urban resilience. The Global South's 34 city initiatives are supported by the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), which is expected to access over $1 billion to address the climate emergency in a variety of sectors, including waste management, mobility, buildings & energy, and nature-based solutions. Urban 20 is a city diplomacy programme that brings cities from G20 member nations together in a common setting to talk about global economic, climatic, and development challenges.

The cities take a unified stance and make proposals for the G20 presidency and heads of state to take into account, strengthening the position of cities as world economic and political leaders. Under the direction of an annual rotating chair city, the U20 project is permanently convened by C40 Cities and United Cities and Local Governments. Buenos Aires and Paris (2018), Tokyo (2019), Riyadh (2020), Rome and Milan (2021), and Jakarta and West Java (2022) presided over previous U20 rounds.

About C40

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.

Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before. The current chair of C40 is Mayor of London Sadiq Khan; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as president of the board.