The world is becoming increasingly urban. Cities are now home to 55 per cent of the global population of 8.2 billion, a figure projected to increase to more than 68 per cent by 2050. While these urban areas increasingly grapple with environmental challenges like rising temperatures, floods, biodiversity loss and pollution, some of the best solutions lie in nature. By adopting nature-based solutions (NbS), cities can work with ecosystems to help improve the quality of life for urban residents and make cities more resilient to the growing effects of climate change. For example, restoring wetlands reduces flood risks, mangroves protect coastlines, and expanding urban forests, parks and gardens can cool neighbourhoods and improve food security. A global initiative called Generation Restoration Cities is helping municipalities worldwide put these ideas into practice. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with Cities Biodiversity Center, the project has worked with 24 cities in 19 countries to integrate ecosystem restoration and nature into urban planning, while helping local governments overcome technical, political and financial barriers to action. Over three years, the initiative has supported pilot projects, new policies, technical studies and peer learning among cities to promote urban NbS and restoration. The results show that nature has become an essential part of modern urbanism, serving as a powerful tool for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Find more information here: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/cities
About UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment and the United Nations' voice for environmental action. Working with governments, businesses, civil society and communities around the world, UNEP drives efforts to tackle climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Through leadership, partnerships and innovation, UNEP inspires, informs and enables nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Learn more about the UN Environment Programme and global environmental action at https://www.unep.org.