Home to more than half of the world’s population, cities generate three-quarters of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Around the world, cities, countries, and regions have explored various initiatives to raise awareness and engagement among all actors to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, there is still much to be done in the global effort to break organizational silos and harness cross-sectoral and cross-governmental collaboration to accelerate the development of low-carbon cities.
Cities can and do play a pivotal role in promoting low-carbon and resilient urban development but they share a common challenge: The need to create an approach that reflects their city’s unique circumstances and characteristics. Cities need to understand what a low-carbon society means to them, be exposed to global best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change, and formulate and implement tailored plans and policies.
On the Open Day of our TDD, we explored the theme of “the role of cities in achieving ambitious mitigation targets.” Please watch the recorded sessions from the link below.
Recording
English: https://youtu.be/GEBXnniKwEQ
Japanese: https://youtu.be/OO6hoIftHDc
Date/Time: 8:00 pm–9:30 pm (JST), Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Programs
Thematic Session 1: Paris Agreement, Glasgow Outcomes – Implications for Local Governments
This session provided an overview of the global climate regime, national commitments, and the implications for the transition to net zero emissions.
Speaker/Moderator
Jacob Werksman
Principal Adviser, DG-CLIMA, European Commission
Joanna Masic
Lead Urban Specialist, World Bank
Japan’s Approach for a Decarbonized Society
This session introduced the key policies and strategies for achieving zero carbon cities in Japan. It also outlined how roles and responsibilities are distributed among the key players (e.g., national and municipal governments) in designing and implementing climate change policies and programs.
Speaker/Moderator
Kentaro Takahashi
Deputy Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Barjor Mehta
Lead Urban Specialist, World Bank
Japan Case 1: Kyoto – From the Kyoto Protocol to 2050 Carbon Neutrality
This session provided an overview of Kyoto’s climate action since COP3 and showcase the city’s climate change countermeasures.
Speakers/Moderator
Hirofumi Yano
Director of “DO YOU KYOTO?” Kyoto City Government
Kentaro Takahashi
Deputy Director, IGES
*In no particular order.
