17 September 2014: Choices made around infrastructure in cities could help avoid the worst impacts of climate change, according to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The report, titled ‘Cities and Climate Change: National Governments Enabling Local Action,’ examines how enabling policy frameworks at the national level can support critical climate action in cities.

The report was prepared as an input to a public discussion with OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría and UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change Michael R. Bloomberg on empowering cities to lead in combating climate change, which took place on 17 September 2014, in Paris, France.

The report recommends empowering cities by providing incentives within national policies that ensure a “race to the top” and result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In particular, the report calls for aligning national, regional and local efforts in: policies around the planning and management of infrastructure development; market instruments and regulations to incentivize green urban investment; investment policies; national legislation ensuring access for cities to finance low-carbon infrastructure; and attracting and engaging the private sector.

According to Gurría, “cities are among the first places to feel the full impacts of climate change,” and also “uniquely placed to implement policies to mitigate the effects of climate change and to promote greener growth.” He also cautioned that in order for this action to materialize, “local and national governments need to work hand in hand.” [OECD Press Release] [OECD Speech Transcript] [OECD Event Webpage] [Publication: Cities and Climate Change: National Governments Enabling Local Action] [OECD Climate Change Webpage]