Can Cities Stop the Climate Crisis?

Recap by Claudia Chiappa

On November, 19, 2020, the Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) and the Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) hosted “Can Cities Stop the Climate Crisis?,” a virtual discussion on the pivotal role cities play in fighting climate change. The discussion featured David Miller, Director of International Diplomacy and Global Ambassador of Inclusive Climate Action at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, former mayor of Toronto (2003–2010), and was moderated by IOC Director Graham Wilson. Their discussion was centered around David Miller’s new book, Solved: How the World’s Great Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisis.

Why cities?

The role of cities in enacting climate change policies is extremely important. Mayors are leading in the fight against climate change “because they can, and because they must,” explained Miller. Today, we live in a world that is predominantly urban, as most of the population is concentrated in cities. Cities are simultaneously the bulk of the economy and the bulk of emissions: This is why mayors must address climate change.

City governments are also responsible for many of the activities that directly produce greenhouse emissions and affect the climate, such as transportation, waste collection, building management, electricity, water, social services, and public health. Because they are directly or indirectly influencing these activities, cities have a “natural responsibility” to take action when it comes to climate change.

Another major reason behind cities’ action on climate change plans involves their residents. “People deeply care about climate change,” noted Miller. “City governments don’t just pass policies, they take actions. In doing their responsibilities, they also have very systematic ways of engaging with their residents.”

National governments have an important role when it comes to climate action, but discussions often unfold at an extremely slow pace and it is difficult to take real action. Cities, on the other hand, have the ability to enact policies quicker and more effectively.

“Why cities?,” asked Miller. “Because that’s where we can have effective action now, and we need effective action now… The only way we can get where we need to is by taking the best ideas that are happening in some cities and spread them quickly.”

First Steps to Take Climate Action

Miller provided advice for people who want to push their cities to do more.

“The starting point for any city is to do a greenhouse gas inventory, see where your emissions are and then craft a plan in accordance with science,” explained Miller.

It is important for cities to map out a plan that addresses the areas which heavily affect greenhouse emissions and work on electrifying transportation, reducing the use of natural oil and gas, and cleaning the electricity grid. Having the support of residents is just as important, Miller explained. Cities must engage their citizens in the conversation, so that their needs are met.

“Learn from what’s happening in the world’s great cities,” said Miller. “If the cities with the most resources solve the problem, it’s much easier for others to take up the baton.”

Recovery from the COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis brought on several challenges for cities, including affordable housing and transportation. Miller said some cities around the world, for example Lisbon, should be looked at as an example of how you can best handle these circumstances and recover socially and economically. Cities must become creative in addressing these issues and learn from each other.

Funding from the national government will also be vital next year, said Miller. The only chance the world has to get back on track and hope to solve climate change is if the government invests in green stimulus and focuses on environmental issues next year. If they don’t, it might be too late.

Transformation to a Post COVID-19 World

A post COVID-19 world will unequivocally look different and Miller identified some trends that will survive once the health crisis is over.

“There is going to be more work from home post-covid than there was before,” said Miller. “People are [going to] work from home because they want to and because companies have discovered they can do so affordably and effectively.”

Another element that will likely survive post-pandemic is the new structure of cities. Cities changed their appearance this year in several ways: They have increased access to green spaces; they have added bike lanes, made sidewalks wider, and expanded outdoor dining. These are all ways in which people have “taken possession” of cities’ streets, and Miller does not think people will surrender this soon.

These trends will be enduring and will change what cities focus on, said Miller. “COVID is giving us the necessity of reexamining how we do things and people will start to like what they see,” noted Miller.

Key Elements of Climate Action: Public Transportation and Utilities

Public transportation is a vital element of the solution to the climate crisis. “In the great cities of the world, the efficacy of the public transport is inextricably linked with the economic success, social integration and environmental quality,” said Miller.

Cities need an efficient network of public transportation that is affordable and electricity based. Miller also stressed the importance of transportation being available to low-income communities, who are often left out of existing networks.

“Public transport is at the heart of making great cities and it’s at the heart of making sure they are socially just and economically successful,” said Miller.

Social inequities and Climate Plans

The fight for our climate cannot happen unless we keep in mind the importance of social equality. “The most successful cities are the cities that in their climate plane recognized that equity was at the heart of it,” said Miller. “You both have to think about how you address equity but also include people from neighborhoods that are economically challenged in the development of the plan.”

Cities can’t just design plans that are equitable, they must make sure the people directly affected by these plans are included in the conversation. Engaging with residents is the only way to enact a plan that is right and fair and to ensure political acceptance across the board.

“Equity is at the heart of all this,” stressed Miller. “If we don’t address climate change in an equitable way it’s unfair to start with, and we won’t be able to do it.

A Message to the President-Elect

Miller concluded the discussion with two messages to President-elect Joe Biden. First, he said the President-elect has the opportunity to offer stimulus packages to urban areas to help bring the economy back, and to solve climate change once and for all.

“Secondly, I would say, mayors in cities are your ally, they are your ally in the United States and around the world,” said Miller. “Cities are your friend. We look forward as mayors to working with you.”