11. Sustainable cities and communities
More than half of the world’s population now live in urban areas. By 2050, that figure will have risen to 6.5 billion people – two-thirds of all humanity. Extreme poverty is often concentrated in urban spaces, and national and city governments struggle to accommodate the rising population in these areas. Making cities safe and sustainable means ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and upgrading slum settlements. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.
Read our stories to learn more about SDG Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities is supported by ABB
News
Policy & Finance
Will China assume more responsibility for global climate finance?
As the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance approaches at COP29, China’s stance is drawing significant attention.
Global Witness warns that mining for green energy is fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in Asia and elsewhere, urging tougher standards and protections.
Policymakers must discard the 'grow now, clean later' model, attract investment in renewables and collaborate, according to a former senior advisor for the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
Ocean issues cut across all three major UN conferences taking place at the end of 2024.
Carbon & Climate
Pause on steel projects shows challenges of China’s green transition
Carbon & Climate
Focus on rainforest conservation can neglect other key ecosystems
Carbon & Climate
We need radical action on climate finance at COP29
Opinion
Policy & Finance
What Trump’s re-election means for ESG in Southeast Asia
If policymakers and ESG proponents fail to ensure that the ESG agenda is equitable and credible – directly benefiting working class and rural communities – the credibility of ESG will deteriorate further.
If policymakers can overcome the remaining technological, regulatory, and financial barriers, the COP28 goal of tripling renewable-energy capacity by 2030 will be well within reach – with solar leading the way.
Food & Agriculture
At COP29, food banks can demonstrate how Southeast Asia protects the planet while feeding more people
Food loss is a significant economic cost, fuels climate change and adds to food insecurity. Food banking is a key solution to this problem that has greater potential to grow across Southeast Asia.
Diwali season in India is also "pollution season" and the fight against air pollution is hardest at this time of the year. India needs to quickly identify which technology solutions can effectively ensure clean air for its people.
Carbon & Climate
Hurricanes and climate change: A wake-up call ahead of COP29
Policy & Finance
Investments in nature will decide our future
Videos
There is consensus that coal needs to be retired early in Asia, but the mechanisms for financing the phase-out are not clear. This mini-documentary examines how transition credits work and whether they can fund Southeast Asia's equitable switch to clean power.
EB Studio
From sponge cities to coastal forests, Asia is seeking ways to work with nature and prepare for the risks in a warmer-than-expected future. This Eco-Business video looks at what else cities need to do to strengthen climate resilience.
Exclusive
Jack Johnson says yes, but it is a long road ahead. In this exclusive interview, we ask the American singer-songwriter and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador about his hopes for the state of the world and how music plays a role in providing a dose of optimism in dark times.
Launched as policymakers lock horns with petrochemicals lobbyists over a treaty to end plastic pollution, the documentary produced by Eco-Business asks why opportunities to solve humanity's waste crisis are being wasted. It will premiere in Singapore and screen on the sidelines of the upcoming COP28 climate summit.
Podcasts
UN climate report authors need to commit to the integrity of assessment processes while working with governments with differing interests. Dr Theresa Wong tells the Eco-Business podcast why the stakes are high to get climate science right.
EB Studio
Plastic waste is flooding the planet. Instead of waiting for regulation to drive change, give value to recyclables and mobilise the people, says Plastic Bank.
EB Studio
With alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuel still too expensive and low in demand for the aviation industry to consider, carbon offsets could be a way to reduce emissions – if used right. EcoSecurities and the International Air Transport Association tell the Eco-Business podcast how airlines can ensure compliance when new regulations become mandatory
Green Buildings
Can a desert city be liveable? Dubai scales green spine concept as developers eye ‘eco-friendly’ projects in harsh climate
Eyes are on whether the city’s plan to build the world’s “greenest highway” will take off. The Eco-Business Podcast speaks to Marwa Nahlawi from Diamond Developers, the real estate developer behind Dubai's "Sustainable City" brand, which adopts a similar green spine concept.
