Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
As part of the Forum of Mayors, the side event “Solutions for a Triple Planetary Crisis in Cities” was organized by UNECE, Global Cities Hub, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The event addressed the urgent challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, especially as cities grow at an unprecedented rate. It specifically featured a range of discussions on how nature-based solutions can enhance resilience and reduce the effects of urbanization. Presentations from various experts highlighted the importance of local and subnational governments in these efforts.
The UNECE’s Trees in Cities Challenge, for instance, encourages mayors to commit to tree planting and sustainable urban forestry, providing a meaningful way to confront the triple planetary crisis while boosting public health, creating green jobs, and securing access to vital ecosystem services.
UNECE’s urban forestry initiatives aim to harness the potential of trees and green spaces to meet global targets related to climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development. During an interactive session, mayors were invited to reflect on their own urban forestry efforts, answering questions about the number of trees planted, the costs involved, and the broader cost-benefit impact. In the face of a rapidly urbanizing future, one key factor will determine whether cities thrive or fail, how effectively they integrate nature into their development plans. UNECE’s initiatives provide the tools, guidance, and support needed to help cities achieve this and contribute to the goals of the Rio Conventions.