Why Climate Neutrality Needs Circularity
“How we make and use products and how we produce food generates almost half of the emissions in our current economic system because the production of goods and infrastructure generates emissions all along value chains,” said Mayor Minna Arve of Turku,
Accelerating the Race to Zero Carbon: Multiple Paths Leading to the Same Destination
One of the toughest parts of fulfilling the Paris Agreement goals is understanding the path to success. What does it take to muster the political will and support to make an ambitious commitment? How can all levels of government move
How to use Socially Innovative Policy Making for an Inclusive Energy Transition
If there is anything to be learned from the ‘Gilets Jaunes’ protest in France, is that social innovation should accompany environmental policymaking. Policies will have little effect without the acceptance and understanding of the people directly affected by the changes.
“Hope in the City” Tells a Story of Urban Challenges and Nature-Based Solutions
“Hope in the City” tells the story of Vikram and his daughter Anita who are just heading home from the movies when a tornado – a weather phenomena they have never seen before – comes out of nowhere. The devastation left
Sustainability and Local Governments in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the fragile economic, social and environmental underpinnings of our world today. Although we have access to advanced scientific and technological resources, as well as strategies for disaster preparedness, and despite repeated specific warnings about
The Importance of Connecting People With Nature in Times of Social Isolation
Measures to the address COVID-19 pandemic that rely on social distancing and social isolation are placing a huge strain on our communities, our public health systems and our economies. As our cities are grappling with this massive challenge, the role
How Lilongwe’s Bats Are Contributing to National Biodiversity Planning
The importance of nature in cities is well-documented and can motivate city leaders to take action on bringing nature back into urban areas. One of the many benefits of urban nature is that it provides us with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables
Why Cities, Towns and Regions Are Creating a Roadmap Towards 100% Renewable Energy
Tackling the climate emergency – a security, socioeconomic and environmental crisis – requires the unprecedented transformation of energy systems and an immediate transition to renewable energy across all sectors. For a perspective on why cities and regions are going renewable and
Achieving Road Safety Through Vision Zero
Road traffic injuries are the tenth leading cause of death globally, and the first cause of death for children and young adults between 5-29 years of age. Every 25 seconds, somewhere in the world, one person is killed on the
After COP25: Frustration Over Decisions, More Hope on Local Climate Action
This article, first published on the ICLEI blog, is part of our "COP25" Editorial Series, done in partnership with ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability. The longest-ever climate conference, COP25, concluded on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. The talks punted a number of
The Glorious Past Returns: How Essen Is Harnessing Its Industrial Legacy to Accelerate Sustainability
This article, first published on the ICLEI blog and with Essen in the spotlight, is part of our "COP25" Editorial Series, done in partnership with ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability. At the height of the industrial revolution, Essen was a hub
Turku’s Advice on Circularity: Imagine the Possibilities, Then Get Started
The town of Turku, a member of ICLEI's Green Circular Cities Coalition, was in the spotlight at COP25's circularity sessions thanks to its exemplary circularity practices and results. This article, first published on the ICLEI blog, is part of our "COP25"