City leaders need to find some festive magic to avert an unhappy new year

As the world limps towards the end of a traumatic year in terms of climate change, rising poverty and hunger and urban inequality, its leaders face the reality that they have just over 1,800 more days to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 1 January 2030.

For city dwellers, the goal that matters is number 11 (SDG11) that calls on global policymakers to make human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. But as each day passes, meeting that goal seems more urgent yet still further out of reach.

More than half the global population live in urban areas, which contribute four-fifths of the world’s annual economic output. However this population consumes around three-quarters of global resources, makes up 65% of energy use and contributes more than 70% of harmful CO2 emissions.

Researchers have established that cities' environmental impact, quantified by the amount of resources consumed to support economic and social functions, continues to grow, with urban areas expected to expand to twice their current size by the decade's end.

But the clock is ticking: by the year 2050, it is estimated that approximately 68% of the world's population will be living in urban areas, potentially overwhelming the infrastructure and resources of most cities.

Work continues regardless of the seemingly insurmountable challenge. The World Economic Forum points to initiatives such as the UN Development Programme’s work with Karachi in Pakistan to develop sustainable infrastructure projects and improve the living conditions of internally displaced populations affected by climate-related events.

Progressive cities appear determined to stay on the path towards reforms that will improve sustainability. Eurocities, a network of cities in the EU and neighbouring countries, believes urban centres can lead the charge towards tackling pressing global issues such as environmental sustainability, social disparities, and economic restructuring.

The momentum towards making cities smart will doubtless continue, not least because so many technology companies are keen to target this lucrative market. This year just ending may, at least, have been a positive one in terms of the mound of academic brainpower focused on urban sustainability.

One paper published at around the midpoint of this year found that a total of some 21,10 articles looking at SDG11 were published by 349 journals. These articles have amassed 229,182 citations in total.

Research may be plentiful and high quality, but action will need to continue to build on, and follow through on that. As ever, there are a host of intergovernmental and private sector conferences focusing on these issues, that will keep the issues in the headlines. But the elephant in the room is, inevitably, the re-election of Donald Trump as US president, taking office 20 days into the New Year.

As Adam Tooze, the Columbia University historian, said in a recent piece in the FT, on climate change the United States is US is once more halfway out the door” and that the China is well-placed to take the lead on the issue if it chooses.

But while the federal government might try to turn back history, US state governors and city mayors will have sufficient number, voice, and economic weight to ensure momentum is maintained.

The C40 Cities global group of mayors has insisted that its members in the US, which include New York, Chicago, and Miami, and elsewhere are focused on achieving the commitments of the Paris Agreement and ensuring continued progress towards reducing emissions, improving resilience, and preventing climate breakdown.

This is echoed by a call by Eurocities for the EU to “empower” cities to deliver solutions and exploit the full potential of local innovation to drive Europe’s transition to a just, green and digital future.

The new year is all about resolutions and commitments to a better life. For the four and half billion people who live in cities, it is world leaders who will need to show a commitment towards climate justice. There will only be five more news years' celebrations before the clock stops for SDG11.