Cities in the Context of Climate Change: Opportunities for Local Authorities in Climate Action in Africa

Abstract

Achievement of global emission reduction targets under Paris Agreement could be greatly enhanced with the active engagement of cities. Cities are one of the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions while providing habitation to more than half of the world’s population. The Convention provides avenues for cities to identify, implement, monitor, report and gain recognition for the actions undertaken. This chapter defines what climate smart cities means, evolution of cities as actors of climate actions, and highlights some of the mechanisms and opportunities available under the Convention for which African cities could avail themselves of, including co-benefits associated with the implementation of these climate actions.