At the margin of the 4th UN Forum of Mayors, a key side event titled “Solutions for the Triple Planetary Crisis” convened city leaders, UN representatives, and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) experts to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The event underscored the importance of leveraging expertise in nature-based solutions, tree planting, and strategies to combat plastic pollution—essential tools for mayors committed to fostering sustainable urban environments.
With cities experiencing rapid urbanization—adding approximately 200,000 residents daily—urban areas are now at the forefront of this triple planetary crisis. Projections indicate that by 2050, more than two-thirds of the global population will reside in cities, emphasizing the critical need for urban centers to be integral to addressing these pressing issues. Speaking about this reality, Mr. Stewart Maginnis, Deputy Director General of IUCN, highlighted the potential of nature-based solutions to enhance the resilience and health of cities in a rapidly urbanizing world.
Mayors and local leaders were encouraged to actively engage in initiatives such as the Local and Subnational Governments Coalition to End Plastic Pollution. By participating in negotiations for a new treaty on plastic pollution, cities can amplify their voices and lead efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship. The Geneva Environment Network and ICLEI, along with other stakeholders, are working to enhance local and regional government participation in this negotiation, particularly as it progresses to its next stage in Busan next November.
As urban areas contend with severe climate impacts—including extreme heatwaves and intensified flooding—the promise of nature-based solutions emerged as a key theme. These strategies not only enhance resilience to climate impacts but also promote public health, create green jobs, and improve access to vital ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and food.
The UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge served as a focal point for mayors to commit to tree planting and sustainable urban forestry initiatives. By incorporating green spaces into urban planning, cities can enrich their natural landscapes while effectively addressing pollution and biodiversity loss. The Head of the UNEP City Unit demonstrated how UNEP supports the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), emphasizing the crucial role of cities and local stakeholders in driving global climate solutions.
Listening to mayors share their experiences was particularly enlightening: mayors know exactly how many trees they have planted and how many more trees and climate solutions their cities require. They directly confront issues related to water and sanitation alongside residents, giving them a unique perspective on day-to-day life. Once again, mayors showcased their hands-on experience. As emphasized by the Global Cities Hub, if only states would listen to the best practices and challenges articulated by local and regional government leaders, they could significantly improve national policies and funding at the local level, concluded the event.