Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach

The document argues that cities, which produce over 70% of carbon emissions despite covering only 3% of land, must reach net-zero to limit global warming to 1.5°C. It advocates for "systemic efficiency"—combining clean electrification, digital technology, efficient infrastructure, and circular economy practices—to address environmental and social crises while increasing urban resilience.

• Cities are disproportionate contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for more than 70% of all emissions while occupying only 3% of the earth's land surface.
• To limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C or below, cities must achieve net-zero emissions using a "systemic efficiency" approach. This integrated strategy includes clean electrification, smart digital technology, efficient buildings and infrastructure, and a circular economy approach to materials, waste, and water.
• Adopting a holistic approach to net-zero goals allows cities to improve their resilience against future health-related and climate-related crises.

APA

World Economic Forum (2021). Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach. https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-carbon-cities-an-integrated-approach/

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach. 2021. https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-carbon-cities-an-integrated-approach/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach |date=11 January 2021 |url=https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-carbon-cities-an-integrated-approach/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2021net, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2021}, month = jan, url = {https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-carbon-cities-an-integrated-approach/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }