Pathways for Urban Development: the role of urban basic services in delivering on the New Urban Agenda

by Oliver Lah, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Germany

DOI 10.12910/EAI2017-019

The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) held from 17 to 20 October 2016 in Quito, Ecuador, concluded with the adoption of the New Urban Agenda: an action-oriented document which will set global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development. Urban basic services such as urban energy, mobility and resource management can make a vital contribution to achieving sustainable development objectives and reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions

Urbanisation is increasing rapidly, particularly in developing and emerging economies, which creates great opportunities, but also poses significant challenges. Cities currently account for about 70% of energy consumption and about 80% of energy related greenhouse gas emissions, while only covering 2% of the Earth´s land. The integration of urban energy, transport and resources sectors is vital for the success of global climate change mitigation efforts.

The New Urban Agenda provides a great opportunity to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Urban basic services such as urban energy, mobility and resource management can make a vital contribution to achieving sustainable development objectives and reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions. …