Empowering Cities: Fast-Tracking Scalable Climate Solutions Through NDCs – EnviroNews Insights on Climate Change and Renewable Energy

At the Africa Climate Week in Addis Ababa, I attended a session at the Implementation Lab on Cities. We talked about how cities face the climate crisis head-on but also have the power to create solutions. To truly harness the potential of urban areas, we need to act quickly. This involves proper funding, strong governance, and inclusive leadership.

Cities are struggling. Many lack the financial resources and local government support they need to lead effectively. People living in informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Our discussions emphasized that it’s not enough to just have ambitious plans; the real challenge is in making those plans happen.

We shared some inspiring examples from around the globe. For instance, Durban has set up community-based early warning systems to help its residents prepare for climate impacts. Dakar has improved public transport with its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, cutting emissions and helping people get around more easily. In Brazil, the “Adapt-a-City” initiative is aiding 600 cities in becoming more resilient. Meanwhile, partnerships between Rwanda and the Philippines, supported by the World Resources Institute, are uniting local and national actors in the fight against climate change.

However, these success stories revealed significant barriers. Many projects struggle to secure sustainable financing. There are gaps in project preparation, making it hard to access climate funding. Additionally, funds often go to parties without the financial expertise to use them effectively. This misdirection must change.

For cities to thrive, collaboration between various levels of government is crucial. Financial tools must be co-owned, ensuring long-term resilience. Development partners need to align funding with actual local needs. Importantly, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community groups should be included in financing decisions. At the Society for Planet and Prosperity, we advocate for giving subnational actors the recognition they deserve.

For Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to make a real difference, they must resonate on a local level. Since NDCs reflect each country’s political stance, it’s essential to involve local governments in crafting these policies. We also need to outline and strengthen the national financial frameworks that will draw sustainable investments.

The Green Climate Fund and other global financial mechanisms must be clear about how they facilitate collaboration between national, subnational, and SME entities. Only then will we see genuine climate actions that benefit cities and their residents.

In light of these discussions, it’s evident that as the climate crisis intensifies, our approach must adapt. Cities can lead the way, but they need support and resources to turn ideas into action.

By Gboyega Olorunfemi, Senior Policy Analyst, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Addis Ababa

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