US, global cities tout emissions reductions – ESG Dive

Report on Urban Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report highlights the significant role of major cities in reducing carbon emissions and advancing climate action, emphasizing their contributions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Key Findings on Emissions Reductions

1. Nearly 100 major city members of C40 Cities worldwide have achieved a 7.5% reduction in per-capita emissions between 2015 and 2024, as reported by C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
2. Representatives from C40 Cities, Climate Mayors, the U.S. Climate Alliance, and America Is All In are actively participating in global climate events to address the leadership gap created by the U.S. federal government’s reduced engagement in climate action.
3. According to Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright, despite federal setbacks, the U.S. has the potential to reduce emissions by 54% to 62% by 2035 through robust state and local climate leadership.

Urban Leadership and SDG Alignment

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, chair of Climate Mayors—a bipartisan network of nearly 350 U.S. mayors—stated that cities are at the forefront of climate change challenges and have a unique responsibility and opportunity to implement meaningful solutions. This aligns directly with SDG 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

• Mayors emphasize the importance of global partnerships to exchange ideas, scale innovations, and build unified climate action, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Delegations of U.S. mayors and climate leaders are attending key international events such as the United Nations Framework on Climate Change’s June Climate Meetings in Bonn, London Climate Action Week, and the Paris Agreement 10-year anniversary event.

Global Progress and Challenges

• Since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016, global clean energy investment has increased tenfold to $2 trillion, underscoring progress towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• However, on January 20, 2025, the U.S. federal government issued an executive order withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, citing misalignment with national values and economic objectives.

Subnational and Community Action

Elizabeth Lien, program director for America Is All In, highlighted the critical role of cities, states, businesses, and communities in driving climate change mitigation from the ground up. This grassroots approach is essential for accelerating global progress on climate action (SDG 13) and fostering sustainable development.

• International climate events serve as platforms to amplify local efforts, encourage cross-border collaboration, and share innovative solutions.
• Such multi-level governance and partnerships contribute to achieving the SDGs by integrating environmental, economic, and social objectives.

Conclusion

The leadership of cities and subnational actors is pivotal in advancing climate goals and sustainable development, especially amid federal-level challenges. Their efforts demonstrate a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing emissions, promoting clean energy, and fostering resilient urban communities worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses nearly 100 major cities reducing per-capita emissions and city mayors taking leadership roles in climate action.
   • Focus on cities being on the front lines of climate change and driving meaningful solutions.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The core theme of the article is climate change mitigation through emissions reductions.
   • References to the Paris Agreement, emissions reduction targets, and climate leadership at local and state levels.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Mentions a tenfold increase in global clean energy investment to $2 trillion since the Paris Agreement.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11 – Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Implied through cities’ efforts to reduce per-capita emissions, which often involve sustainable urban transport and infrastructure improvements.
2. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Highlighted by local and state governments stepping up climate leadership despite federal withdrawal.
3. SDG 13 – Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
   • Implied by the collaboration and exchange of ideas among city leaders globally.
4. SDG 7 – Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
   • Referenced by the increase in global clean energy investment and international climate meetings.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 11.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport.
   • While not explicitly mentioned, per-capita emissions reductions in cities imply improvements in sustainable transport and urban infrastructure.
2. Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
   • Implied through local and state governments implementing climate policies and strategies in absence of federal leadership.
3. Indicator for SDG 13.3: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula.
   • Implied by the emphasis on collaboration and knowledge exchange among city leaders.
4. Indicator for SDG 7.a: International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production.
   • Implied by the reported $2 trillion global clean energy investment increase.
5. Additional Indicator: Per-capita greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Explicitly mentioned as reduced by 7.5% between 2015 and 2024 in nearly 100 major cities.
6. Emissions Reduction Targets:
   • The U.S. could achieve 54% to 62% emissions reductions by 2035 through state and local leadership, indicating measurable targets at subnational levels.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: esgdive.com