Cities and states have aimed higher and moved faster on climate action than national governments. The reason is simple: To local leaders, climate problems and solutions matter because their constituencies are directly impacted by them. Extreme heat, flooding and air pollution make people's lives worse. Cleaner air, convenient public transportation, and access to parks and nature make them better.

This COP30 roundtable reflected on emerging challenges and innovations in policies for resilience, adaptation, and climate justice in peripheral territories and urban communities.

When floods hit my hometown in Kenya last year, it was the poorest communities who suffered most. In Nairobi, where more than 3 million people live in vulnerable homes made of wood, sheet metal and concrete — many in low-lying flood plains — the waters faced little resistance. Entire homes were swept away as people slept.

This event at the World Urban Forum brought together stakeholders that are advancing climate goals and sustainable development through the lens of housing integrated with basic services, at the global, national and local levels.   

The REHOUSE (Resilient, Equitable Housing, Opportunities and Urban Services) and Atlas of Urban Growth initiatives at World Resources Institute are hosting a region-focused convening in Africa to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders across sectors and levels of decision-making for discussions and hands-on exercises on the opportunities to build resilient cities in the face of climate risks and how data can drive action.

This event will explore policy, practice and finance solutions from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including governments, local communities, multilaterals, and housing practitioners, to advance access to climate-resilient housing and urban services across the Global South.

Ahead of COP28, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities joined partners to launch a new initiative linking climate action to sustainable development by addressing inequities in access to housing and other core services in urban areas.