Human Settlements Climate Action Event: Action towards a zero-emission, circular, & resilient built environment and cities for everyone, everywhere

10:00 -12:00 (EET)

The event will focus on solutions for people.

Cities are warming 2x faster than the global average– and the buildings and construction sector contributes ~40% of global greenhouse gas emissions; at a local level it is peoples homes, peoples schools, peoples hospitals and cultural centres that need decarbonizing– the transition must put people at the centre to help address the combined heat and energy crises, especially in the global south. 

Transitioning to a circular economy in our densest urban areas is critical to transform human settlements and the built environment within them to a resilient, zero-carbon future. Putting the buildings and construction sector on a circular economy trajectory is essential for zero waste and for achieving national climate targets – over a third of construction waste currently goes to landfill.  

This event will demonstrate recent signals of change from around the globe– highlighting the transition toward net-zero, resilient, equitable, affordable, safe human settlements– and the associated co-benefits, from job creation to reduced air pollution.