Megacities ‘must ensure emissions peak in 2020’

The next four years are critical to meeting the Paris Agreement targets. That’s according to a new plan from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and consultancy firm Arup, which have outlined how cities […]

The next four years are critical to meeting the Paris Agreement targets.

That’s according to a new plan from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and consultancy firm Arup, which have outlined how cities must act to end emissions growth by 2020.

The C40 group connects more than 80 megacities, representing over 600 million people and a quarter of the global economy.

It aims to reduce emissions and climate risks, while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities of urban citizens.

With Arup, it suggests ending emissions growth in four years would require $375 billion (£296.6bn) of investment from governments and the private sector. It aims to see an actual fall in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The report states if all cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants follow the plan’s recommendations of ramping up action, increasing smart planning and improving collaboration, the world could achieve roughly 40% of the emissions reduction needed.

The C40 cities need to slash their CO2 emissions per capita from five tonnes to three tonnes.

Paula Kirk, Cities and Climate Change Leader at Arup, said: “For the first time our cities have a plan to follow to reduce their emissions. Our ambition is for this plan to reach beyond the C40 cities to show other cities around the world that action is possible and achievable – the world can deliver on the Paris Agreement.”

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