Cities cover three per cent of the earth’s land surface yet they create more than 70 per cent of all carbon emissions.
To keep global temperature increases to 1.5°C or below, cities must transition to a net zero economy.
To provide a global framework for this transition and to accelerate decarbonisation, Schneider Electric, Enel and the World Economic Forum have released a report “Net Zero Carbon Cities: an Integrated approach”.
It recommends an integrated energy approach, defined as “systemic efficiency”, as a solution to the current environmental, economic, health and social crises.
“The COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of global partnerships as we strive to make our cities and societies more sustainable, inclusive and resilient,” according to Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chair and CEO of Schneider Electric.
“Curbing emissions from the world’s cities requires urgent action, and it is an ambition that will need alignment of all stakeholders, both public and private actors, companies and citizens. This report outlines the ways in which systemic efficiency can be realistically and practically achieved, and how each of us can play a part.”
Systemic efficiency encompasses clean electrification, smart digital technology, and efficient buildings and infrastructure, along with a circular economy approach to water, waste and materials.
Right now, just over half the world’s population lives in cities, but that is projected to rise to 68 per cent by 2050.