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The report argues that technical and rational arguments for energy efficiency are insufficient on their own and should be paired with emotion-based narratives to drive systemic change. It highlights the 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) movement launched by India and provides a series of case studies from G20 nations—including India, the USA, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and Japan—across the sectors of buildings, industry, and transport. These examples illustrate how leveraging feelings of pride, empowerment, and community responsibility can accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and behaviours.

Mexico has utilized the CCAC SNAP initiative to develop a strategic national plan for reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), specifically black carbon and methane. By leveraging tools like LEAP-IBC and coordinating through the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), Mexico integrated SLCP targets into its 2015 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), aiming for a 51% reduction in black carbon by 2030. Key sectoral actions include mandating EURO VI technology for new buses in Mexico City by 2018 and implementing clean cookstove and waste management projects in coastal wetland communities.

The report analyzes bus system improvements across 13 cities in Latin America and Asia, highlighting the benefits of bus rapid transit (BRT) such as high usage levels and low capital investment. It identifies recurring failures in planning and implementation, including rushed launches and lack of integration with other transport modes. The document concludes with strategic recommendations for the planning and decision-making phases of urban transport reform.

The document outlines findings from workshops held between August and October 2023 regarding the role of shared mobility in Latin American cities. Experts concluded that services like bike sharing and ride-hailing can support decarbonization if integrated with mass transit and supported by cross-sector collaboration, electric mobility strategies, data-driven policymaking, and formalized regulations.

The WRI Ross Center's long-term engagement in Mexico City, beginning in 2002, demonstrates that combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the local political landscape can drive transformative urban change. A primary example is the 2006 implementation of the Metrobús Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The organization identifies three critical success factors for such urban transformation: trust with city officials, knowledge of the political and institutional ecosystem, and flexible funding and institutional structures. Additionally, collaboration through global initiatives like the Building Efficiency Accelerator has enabled WRI to expand its technical expertise into new sectors such as building efficiency.

The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities employs an integrated approach combining data-driven research and long-term city partnerships to address urban challenges in land use, mobility, and energy efficiency. The organization focuses on the global south, implementing projects such as low-emission zones in Beijing, sustainable housing standards in Brazil, and last-mile mobility solutions in Bengaluru. Its strategy emphasizes scaling road-tested solutions through national policy guidance and global coalitions to help cities decarbonize and improve equitable access to core services.

The document details water stress in cities including São Paulo, Mexico City, Karachi, Los Angeles, Nairobi, Brisbane, and Seville, highlighting the roles of poor planning, climate-driven drought, and infrastructure failure. It advocates for a transition to climate-resilient water budgets through demand reduction, diversified water sources, and improved governance to avoid 'Day Zero' scenarios.