Human Settlements

Human settlements must adapt and build resilience to protect against the worsening impacts of climate change. Responsible for 21% of global emissions, a global push for sustainable buildings can help to deliver equitable, long-term sustainable development for billions of people living in cities.

Abir Abdullah / Climate Visuals

Cities have the power to drive ambitious climate action by reducing the carbon footprint of their buildings, transport systems, and energy sources, in turn creating healthy, equitable and resilient communities.

By 2030, we need all new buildings to be near-zero emissions, and to ensure that one billion people live in decent, safe homes. Early warning systems must have universal coverage, and people have access to risk information, solutions to build resilience and resilient health systems. Cities and regions need to deliver their plans to slash emissions and adapt to climate impacts, working closely with national governments and partners at the local and global levels.

As hotspots of rapid social, economic, and environmental change, cities can be key sites to activate transformative change and drive sustainable, low-emission, and resilient development.

Explore the Human Settlements targets of the 2030 Climate Solutions

Find out about emerging solutions that are advancing the 2030 Climate Solutions.

With a roadmap of solutions, we support business, civil society organizations, subnational governments and financial institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa to drive ambitious climate action and show clear signals of change to reduce emissions and build sustainable human settlements.

Read the report