November 08, 2019

The Benefits Of Zero-Carbon Cities

2 minutes

A new report issued by a coalition of 50 leading international institutions shows that low carbon initiatives in cities could reduce urban emissions by nearly 90% and support 87 million jobs worldwide by 2030. The report finds that implementing low carbon measures in cities would be worth almost $24 trillion by 2050.

Cities are home to more than half the world’s population but produce

80% of gross domestic product and 75% of carbon emissions. The research highlights the significant

benefits carbon reduction can bring to cities in areas such as public health,

job creation, and poverty alleviation.

The report shows that it is possible to cut 90% of emissions from

cities using currently available technologies and practices including carbon

savings from buildings, transportation, materials efficiency, and waste

reduction. Doing so would require an

investment of nearly $2 trillion per year but would generate annual returns of

nearly $3 trillion in 2030 and $7 trillion in 2050 based on cost savings

alone. Many low carbon measures would

pay for themselves in less than five years, including more efficient lighting,

electric vehicles, improved freight logistics, and solid waste management.

In addition to economic benefits, compact, connected and clean cities could

provide a higher standard of living and greater opportunity for all. These measures would also reduce air

pollution, cut chronic traffic congestion, and improve worker productivity.

The report offers case studies from around the world where national and local governments have worked together to rapidly and profoundly transform their cities for the better within 20 or 30 years.

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Web Links

The benefits of investing in zero-carbon cities

Photo, posted September 8, 2018, courtesy of Steffen Flor via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

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By Randy Simon

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