Make the upcoming IPCC Cities Special Report count

Abstract

Cities are receiving increasing attention in global assessments over the past two decades. It has been a hard-fought shift for many urban researchers, but the biggest impetus stems from the pivotal role cities play both as drivers and bearers of impacts of global environmental change. Notably, cities are home to 57% of the world’s population, responsible for over 70% of global consumption–related carbon emissions and contributing to over 80% of gross domestic product in many countries. Within the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), cities have shifted from the periphery to center stage, which culminated in the decision to produce a dedicated special report on cities in its next assessment cycle. Expectations are high that this upcoming special report will substantially enhance awareness, shape policy, and catalyze actions across mitigation and adaptation within cities and beyond. With the scoping process expected to begin in early 2024, now is a critical time to consider what should be the focus of the upcoming special report.