At the 2025 World Mayors Summit, C40 Cities announced three new accelerators to address climate-related issues in cities. The Cool Cities Accelerator aims to help cities prepare for extreme heat and protect residents from its deadly effects, while the Thriving Food Systems Accelerator focuses on transforming food systems for all residents. The Urban Planning Accelerator aims to drive bold climate action by placing people, planet, and prosperity at the center of urban development. These initiatives aim to create cooler, safer, fairer cities, tackle hunger, improve livelihoods, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% by 2050. City leaders are also collaborating to decarbonize freight transport, reduce methane emissions, and accelerate climate progress through initiatives like CHAMP and the Global Mutirão, emphasizing the importance of cities in shaping the global climate agenda.
Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)
Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
-
Im Einklang mit dem Planeten: Rahmenwerk für neun globale Lebensmittelsystemgrenzen
A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research highlights the significant impact of food production and consumption on exceeding planetary boundaries. The study introduces a framework for "food system boundaries" based on the nine scientific planetary boundaries, all of which are currently being exceeded. The use of pesticides in agriculture is a major contributor to biodiversity loss. To stay on track for the 1.5-degree Celsius target, food systems must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, halt the conversion of intact nature into agricultural land, redistribute fertilizer use, and limit pesticide and antibiotic use to protect biodiversity and the environment.
-
Global cities unite to tackle the risks of extreme heat
The Cool Cities Accelerator, a global coalition of 33 cities, aims to address extreme heat in urban areas by implementing innovative heat governance structures, appointing a Chief Heat Officer, and taking actions such as heat risk communication, cool shelters, tree planting, and urban greening initiatives. Supported by organizations like The Rockefeller Foundation and C40 Cities, the initiative seeks to create cooler, greener, and safer cities for all residents, aligning with global standards for climate leadership. The United Nations Secretary-General's call to action on extreme heat underscores the urgent need for cities to take immediate and long-term action to protect communities from the increasing threat of extreme heat. The Accelerator provides a framework for cities to develop heat adaptation targets and implement solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, supporting a broader mission of bold, science-based climate action in urban areas worldwide.
https://www.c40.org/news/global-cities-unite-to-tackle-the-risks-of-extreme-heat/
-
Global alliance meets in Doha to confront hunger crisis
President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock addressed leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development, highlighting the crisis of hunger as a result of inequality, conflict, and policy choices. She emphasized that the issue is not lack of food but failures in access, affordability, and social protection, exacerbated by climate change. Baerbock called for limiting warming to 1.5°C and investing in adaptation and resilience to prevent millions from falling deeper into poverty. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil's G20 Presidency, aims to accelerate practical cooperation in addressing hunger and poverty through initiatives such as scaling up social protection and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.
-
Building healthy, thriving cities: A conversation between C40 and Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk and C40 Cities are partnering to create healthier, more sustainable cities by focusing on prevention, community engagement, and addressing everyday factors that impact health. The Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods programme, supported by Novo Nordisk and C40, aims to create low-carbon, people-centred neighbourhoods with access to healthy food, green spaces, and safe transport. Community-led projects in Buenos Aires, Nairobi, and Rio de Janeiro are transforming urban spaces through initiatives like expanding markets for healthy food and creating communities where daily needs are within walking or biking distance. By involving residents in the design process, cities can promote health, equity, and sustainability while reducing emissions and creating environments that benefit all residents. City leaders are taking bold steps to shape healthy and sustainable living environments for urban residents, demonstrating the effectiveness of local action in influencing broader change nationally and globally.