Cities are essential to drive the transition to net-zero, accounting for 70% of global GHG emissions. However, OECD data shows that most cities are far from reaching net zero by 2050. At the same time, cities face a longstanding and increasingly urgent need to provide more affordable housing – between 1996 and 2022, real house prices rose by 77%, while incomes grew just 29%. Homes and buildings continue to account for a major share of carbon emissions, so the question remains – how to respond to the housing crisis in cities as we move to net zero?
Across the world, Mayors are rising to the challenge, from improving the energy efficiency of homes, to promoting more sustainable building techniques. In June 2023, the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth came together to share innovative solutions and collectively endorse the “Brussels Blueprint for Affordable Cities and Housing for All”, including bold commitments to deliver affordable, low-carbon and resilient housing.
As part of the New York Climate Week, join the OECD Champion Mayors as they share their lessons for delivering a just transition that creates economic opportunities for all and learn about how the OECD Programme on A Territorial Approach to Climate Action and Resilience (TACAR) is supporting cities on the path to net zero.