Cities are at the center of the global climate crisis. As urban populations continue to grow, cities face mounting pressures from social inequality, environmental degradation, public health risks, and climate-related shocks. In both the Global North and the Global South, urban areas are increasingly expected to lead climate mitigation and adaptation efforts while ensuring social equity and economic resilience.
As part of COP30 on Climate Change, held in Belém, Brazil from November 10–21, 2025, the session “Cities, Adaptation and Justice in a Climate Emergency” took place at the Resilient Cities Pavilion.
The 15-minute-city is a transformative urban planning model introduced in 2016 by Franco-Colombian scientist Carlos Moreno, who specializes in the intelligent control of complex systems. Drawing inspiration from the work of urbanist Jane Jacobs, Moreno’s vision places human needs at the center of urban design, emphasizing the spatial-temporal relationship between individuals and their access to essential urban services.
As the global urban population rises, cities face growing challenges like environmental degradation, inequality, governance limitations, and health crises, with climate change intensifying these issues. Yet, advancements in technology, urban planning, and governance offer promising solutions, enabling cities to become more resilient, inclusive, and efficient in resource management.
The Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN) is a global consortium of scientists and experts focused on climate adaptation in cities. It engages local authorities, researchers, and professionals through reports, workshops, and collaborative initiatives.
Urbanization, rather than being an insurmountable problem, offers a unique opportunity in the 21st century to address global issues. Cities can become powerful engines for eradicating poverty, fostering inclusive development, and propelling prosperity.
Johan Rockström, a renowned Swedish ecologist and Earth system scientist, is globally recognized for his pioneering work on sustainability and planetary boundaries. Ranked among the most cited researchers worldwide by Clarivate Analytics. He is the Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam.
In this video Gerald Mills, physical geographer based at University College of Dublin gives an overview on cities and global warming and climate change, urban climate and urban heat islands, the way they form and its consequences.
In this video there is a detailed explanation of the UCCRN program by Mattia Leone, an Associate Professor of Building Technology and Environmental Design at the University of Naples Federico II.
Urban planning and urban design have a critical role to play in the global response to climate change. Actions that simultaneously reduce greenhouse GHG emissions and build resilience to climate risks should be prioritized at all urban scales.
Integrated Water Management and Stormwater Management are essential for climate resilience.
Urban centers worldwide are confronting the escalating impacts of climate change. Recent assessment reports note that it is very likely that heat waves will occur more often and last longer and that extreme precipitation events will become more intense and frequent. The rise of the global mean sea level will increase the risks to coastal systems and low-lying areas.
Did you know that there may be a correlation between urban sprawl and increased temperature in the cities?
The Case Study of Glasgow Green.
Today, international urban climate change networks are gaining strength, city climate change programs are being funded by national governments and foundations, and cities are taking on responsibility for both reducing GHG emissions and building resilience.
What is the meaning of resilient city? A resilient city is a city able to contain any environmental hazards associated with climate change.
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