Cities creating a blueprint for climate-resilient and net-zero urban life. Urban resilience is important in advancing the long-term viability and quality of life in cities. The challenges cities face today require bolder and more integrated strategies that prioritize a net-zero and nature-positive transition. The Urban Blueprint Session at the World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings (SDIM) seeks new business models and a joint approach to climate and biodiversity loss.Sarah Franklin Lead, Urban Sustainability and Resilience, World Economic Forum

Destructive floods, extreme heat, unaffordable energy and housing, power outages, aging infrastructure, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the economic conflict between superpowers all contribute to the interconnected emerging risks known as the “polycrisis”, with climate change at the centre. Accounting for 70% of global CO2 emissions, cities are on the frontlines of climate action. They are also hubs of economic, social and environmental activity, which makes climate adaptation non-negotiable. By 2050, it is projected that nearly 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, increasing stress on infrastructure, housing, water and energy systems and heightening risks related to natural disasters, infrastructure failures and social inequalities.                                                 

Achieving sustainable and resilient cities...... The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are key to improving global climate resilience and ensuring equity and sustainable development in a changing world. Reaching the SDGs in cities requires integrated resilience strategies and a collaborative approach across various sectors. In many places, this work is already underway. Rotterdam’s first resilience strategy in 2016 focused primarily on climate adaptation. However, it became evident that a more integrated approach to resilience was necessary. In 2022, the city published a new strategy that better reflects the city’s growing challenges, identifying six critical areas of action: climate, energy, ecology, economy, digital and social. Elsewhere, in 2023, the US published the National Climate Resilience Framework, advocating for a more integrated approach to addressing climate risks and acknowledging that vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. It outlines an integrated approach that includes tightening flood risk standards, improving building codes, scaling up technology solutions, reinforcing the electric grid, protecting and restoring natural lands and waters and incorporating nature-based solutions.