A new study by researchers at De Montfort University Leicester and the University of Surrey has suggested that as cities invest billions in tackling climate change, they should focus on the wider benefits of climate action, instead of just concentrating on emissions reduction.
The study explores how cities are assessing their progress towards net zero, arguing that focusing primarily on emissions reduction can overlook other outcomes of climate investment. These include improvements in air quality, public health, more green spaces, employment and energy costs.
‘Part of the picture’
“Cities around the world are making significant investments to reach net zero, but reducing carbon emissions is only part of the picture,” commented Professor Subhes Bhattacharyya from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), a co-author of the study. “Climate action can also improve public health, create jobs, enhance green spaces and strengthen local economies.
“Our research highlights the importance of measuring these wider benefits so that cities can make better-informed decisions and build long-term support for climate action.”
Joined-up approach
The study examines two of the world’s leading urban climate frameworks, and concludes that cities need to adopt a more ‘joined-up approach’ to measuring the environmental, social and economic effects of climate policies. As the researchers note, this would enable decision-makers to ‘understand what works and make better long-term investment decisions’.
The findings were published ahead of the International Conference on Reinventing Urban Futures: Regenerative Cities for a Resilient Planet, taking place at De Montfort University on 3 and 4 September, which is being organised by DMU’s Institute for Sustainable Futures.
Welcoming researchers, policymakers, practitioners, businesses and community organisations, the conference will explore how cities can look beyond net zero to respond to challenges such as climate change, resilient infrastructure and changing life patterns. More information on the conference can be found here.
