Countdown to COP29: Decarbonising cities for greener societies

Home to more than half of the global population, urban areas contribute significantly to both greenhouse gas emissions and climate solutions. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced in cities—ranging from rising temperatures to increasing flood risks—there is a growing need for cities to develop strategies that address both mitigation and adaptation.

COP29 is expected to spotlight the importance of creating resilient, sustainable urban environments.

COP29: Focus on strengthening resilience and reducing emissions in cities

Urban areas are responsible for approximately 70% of global carbon emissions, making them central to international climate discussions. At COP29, the emphasis will be on how cities can reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and improve the overall quality of life for their residents through sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development.

One of the key areas of discussion will be the deployment of climate-resilient infrastructure. This includes energy-efficient buildings, smart city technologies, green spaces that help mitigate heat, and robust water management systems that can handle both scarcity and flooding. The European Union, through initiatives such as the EU Cities Mission, aims to support cities in becoming climate-neutral by 2030, setting an example for urban areas around the world.

In addition to reducing emissions, the discussions at COP29 will highlight the importance of making cities adaptable to the effects of climate change. This includes protecting urban populations from extreme weather events, ensuring access to clean water, and enhancing green urban spaces to provide cooling and recreation in dense city environments.

Driving efficient urban practices

Danish cities hold a long tradition of holistic and strategic urban planning, as well as implementing urban developments within mobility, infrastructure, climate adaptation, environmentally conscious architecture and construction. As living labs and vehicles for green technology rollout, Danish cities demonstrate global climate leadership aiming to inspire others to act in support of the Paris Agreement.

For example, Copenhagen have made a number of green commitments, including a goal to become the world’s first CO2-neutral capital. And with the DK2020 and the Climate Alliance leading the way, 96 of 98 Danish municipalities have developed climate action plans compatible with the Paris Agreement. 

Denmark’s focus on urban sustainability is not limited to its own cities. Danish companies and experts are actively involved in helping cities worldwide become more resilient. These efforts will be showcased at COP29, where Denmark will present its experiences and solutions for climate-adaptive urban development.

Meet the urban solution providers at COP29

At the Denmark Pavilion at COP29, several Danish companies will highlight their contributions to urban sustainability. These companies have developed innovative solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges cities face, particularly in the areas of water management and climate resilience.

Visit the Denmark Pavilion to meet urban solution providers and discover their targets and ambitions for COP29.

As the global community gathers at COP29, the discussions around cities will be important for shaping the future of urban development. By sharing its experiences and solutions, Denmark aims to contribute to the global effort to make cities more sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.