Why is city-business climate collaboration important?

Cities are uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of the climate emergency. Urban centres consume over two-thirds of global energy and emit more than 70 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gases, but also account for more than 80 percent of world GDP. City governments have influence over many assets and functions. Cities also have the most ambitious political leaders when it comes to climate - mayors who are already acting decisively across key areas of renewables, transport, buildings and waste to reduce carbon emissions. 

Yet, many city governments directly control as little as 4% of citywide emissions. This means they must work beyond their direct powers by engaging, influencing and collaborating with private actors to achieve their climate goals.

Many businesses are also setting climate targets in response to growing climate risk, consumer demand for sustainable goods and services, employee or shareholder activism, and other pressures.

Better collaboration between cities and businesses has enormous potential to reduce emissions and climate risk on a scale greater than they could manage alone, achieving better outcomes and bringing mutual benefits.