The world is on the cusp of an urban revolution, with the proportion of city dwellers expected to soar from 50% to a staggering 70% by 2050, according to Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and the President of COP29, said during the ministerial meeting on urbanization and climate change, held as a part of COP29, Report informs.
"In the next 5-7 years alone, the urban population is projected to increase by over 500 million people," Babayev revealed. "This will place an unprecedented strain on city infrastructure, including electricity, water, sewage, and transportation systems."
The minister pointed out that cities are already responsible for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. As urban populations continue to swell, national governments must join forces with private and public stakeholders to achieve their targets.
"Multilevel cooperation is crucial," Babayev emphasized. "National policies must be translated into strategies that can be implemented at the local level."
He noted that cities and regions require tools, financial resources, and authority to implement climate solutions tailored to their unique contexts: “Initiatives like the Baku City Sustainability Coalition are vital in bringing together diverse parties committed to expanding cooperation.”
Babayev also stressed the importance of urban climate finance. "Innovative financing mechanisms and stronger partnerships are needed to increase investments in urban infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transportation systems," he said. "This is not just about addressing climate risks, but also about opening up opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improving the quality of life for urban populations."