Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Urbanization is one of the five main drivers of environmental change. By 2050, 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities, which already account for up to 80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 per cent of carbon emissions.
Goal 11 and the environment
Cities impact all parts of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Urban populations face immense risks from environmental degradation, including extreme heat and flooding, air and water pollution, infectious diseases and growing inequality. Rapid urbanization, industrialization and rising vehicle ownership are driving pollution to critical levels; approximately 99 per cent of the world breathes unclean air. People in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, accounting for 91 per cent of the 4.2 million premature deaths.
The opportunities to promote sustainability are huge. Humanity must undertake a just transition to a low-carbon economy, reduce pollution and energy demand, champion sustainable consumption and production, and increase biodiversity restoration efforts.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities and crises facing cities. In order to respond to future crises, it is crucial to strengthen cities' preparedness and resilience by focusing on high-quality infrastructure and ensuring universal access to basic services.
UNEP’s work on Goal 11
Cities are hotspots for air pollution and disease. Urgent systemic changes in urban infrastructure and planning are needed to secure and provide health, environmental and social benefits for the billions of urban dwellers globally.
UNEP is focused on enabling sustainable urbanization and ending the increased environmental pressure associated with demand for basic services, infrastructure, jobs, affordable housing and more – particularly for the nearly 1 billion urban poor who live in informal settlements. UNEP’s work on circularity and pollution and waste aims to galvanize policy action needed for improved municipal solid waste management and emission reductions.
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
This annual commemoration highlights the risks of air pollution and emphasizes the need to make further efforts to improve air quality to protect human and environmental health.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), together with UN-Habitat and IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, have developed the world’s largest air quality data platform, bringing together real-time air pollution data from cities around the world.
This network connects governments, cities, international organizations, businesses, finance, academia and civil society groups to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint action towards a rapid global transition to efficient and climate-friendly cooling.
Beating the Heat: A Sustainable Cooling Handbook for Cities
This guide offers planners an encyclopedia of proven options to help cool cities while countering climate change.
Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles
A collaboration between governments, industry, civil society and academia, the partnership is helping to achieve cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions from road-going vehicles.
The programme helps developing countries move away from car-based infrastructure and towards pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly construction, helping to counter climate change and reduce gridlock.
