GEO for Cities is a project set up by and for city people. Cities can be dynamic engines of economic and social development, offering higher wages, access to amenities and better education for those who move from rural to urban areas. But cities have huge environmental footprints and are also impacted significantly by environmental crises related to climate change. The sixth Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6) identified urbanization as one of five main drivers of environmental change and also looked at the impact on cities and city residents of related challenges such as biodiversity loss and pollution. The GEO for Cities looks at these issues, but also presents the types of solutions that can lead to environmentally sustainable and just cities.
The GEO for Cities process began in May 2019 and the report was eventually launched in November 2021. It is a product of the generous dedication and extraordinary investment of numerous individuals. Their knowledge, expertise and insight have helped shape this important publication. The process is led by two co-chairs, guided by an Advisory Committee of organizations focused on urban and environment solutions (ICLEI, C40, Cities Alliance, IIED, ODI, IIHS, GCSE). The publication has been drafted by around 20 expert authors and supported by the GEO Secretariat.
The GEO for Cities report links social equity and justice with environmental sustainability to avoid the worst impacts of gentrification and, at the same time, to improve the lives of those living and working in informal settings. Equity and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand if cities are to contribute to the positive transformational change described in this publication.
GEO for Cities looks to provide real-world pathways for achieving the vision of environmentally sustainable and just cities. These practical steps can be used by decision-makers at the city level to systematically face climate, biodiversity and pollution crises. This report aims to give practical guidance adding to the extensive work by other groups to propel cities towards a new environmentally sustainable and just future.
