Nature-based solutions are increasingly hailed as a way to boost cities’ climate resilience, biodiversity, and social cohesion. But how will we know if these “solutions” are really working?
SDG 11
-
-
Years of delays are being added to climate commitments because of bureaucratic planning processes. We must speed up action in ways that are transparent, equitable, and effective if we’re to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of global warming
-
-
The role of bonds in transforming infrastructure for net-zero
Financing — Global
Massive investment is needed in infrastructure to achieve the transition to clean energy and create resilience against the impacts of global warming. The scale of investment – as much as $9 trillion per year – exceeds the capabilities of public finance and will rely on aligning private sector financing. Green or climate bonds seem an obvious instrument for the task – are they the killer solution?
-
Protecting the right to water
Human rights — Global
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation are established human rights. Yet, halfway through the Water Action Decade, billions of people are still denied them. This year, nations have pledged to drive transformation to a water-secure world, and must now urgently act on their promises
-
Rapid urbanization is placing unprecedented strain on the life-critical resources of water, energy, and food. We need rapid take-up of coordinated (or “nexus”) approaches to urban development and resource management if we’re to make sustainable cities a reality
-
Why do governments continue to subsidize fossil fuels, undermining their own climate goals?
Energy — Global
Each year, trillions of dollars are poured into harmful fossil fuel subsidies or tax breaks that undermine our progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shifting these funds to fuel the clean energy transition would accelerate access to basic energy services, improve public health, and put the world on a safer climate trajectory
-
Unlocking the potential of blended finance
Financing — Global
With the right conditions, blended finance – combining public and private financing to incentivize increased investment from new sources – could bridge the funding gaps necessary to achieve the SDGs. How can we realize this huge investment potential before it’s too late?
-
SDG financing needs an urgent global reboot
Financing — Global
At the mid-point on the way to 2030, SDG financing is under pressure. Reforms of the global finance system, and more targeted financing solutions, are needed to get back on track to meet the Global Goals
-
Mobility without carbon
Climate — Global
A net-zero and inclusive mobility future for all doesn’t depend on futuristic, as-yet-unknown transport solutions. We already have the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources, but must urgently deploy them in new, transformative ways
-
Building for climate
Climate — Global
The construction industry accounts for more than a third of the world’s carbon emissions. The sector must urgently ramp up new methods to slash CO2 from the construction lifecycle if we’re to achieve net zero
