Urban Programme

UNEP supports governments in addressing urban environmental issues. The work of the Urban Environment team focuses on environmental issues with both have a local and a global dimension - with a particular focus on the role of climate change. In cooperation with partners, UNEP supports cities across the world in addressing environmental impacts and in integrating the environment into their long-term strategic planning.

The Urban Environment team works in close collaboration with UNEP's Sustainable Building and Climate Initiative, to promote energy efficient buildings for sustainable cities.

Key activities include:

Support cities to better address environmental issues in their strategic planning, together with key partners

The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners which supports local authorities plan and prepare for future growth through slum upgrading projects, city development strategies and sustainable financing strategies. UNEP's main objective as a member of the Cities Alliance is to integrate environmental considerations into Cities Alliance activities. In this regard, UNEP is developing a practical methodology to better integrate the environmental dimension in project implementation and strategic planning at the city level. This also includes the compilation and development of a series of tools for cities.

Cities in climate change mitigation and adaptation

Through a strategic partnership with the Cities Alliance, the World Bank and UN-Habitat, UNEP is supporting cities in addressing the climate change challenge. This includes the development of a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for cities as well as a methodology for city vulnerability assessments.

UNEP supports the Local Government Climate Roadmap led by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. This process advocates a post-2012 global climate regime that recognizes the key role cities play in implementing global policy. Moreover, UNEP is supporting ICLEI in setting-up Carbonn, the Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting. This Center will support cities in reducing GHG emissions, and provide a platform for sharing information and experiences of cities activities.

UNEP and UN-Habitat: Cooperative action on sustainable urban development

UNEP is working closely with UN-Habitat on sustainable urban planning and management. Since 2007 a joint Partnership Framework has been developed. Under this framework, the two agencies have formulated a biennial work plan. For the biennium 2010-2011 the activities will focus on cities and climate change, sustainable urban transport, building, housing and construction, and a number of joint outreach and policy activities.

For more information on our work visit the urban environment website.

Survey

GHG Standard for cities
Draft International Standard for Determining Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Cities

Representative GHG Baselines for Cities

Newsletter
Urban Environment Newsletter September 2010

New Publication
Sustainable Urban Energy Planning