c40 Climate cities: The Role of AI in Sustainable Development

Representing over 700 million people and 25 percent of the global economy, C40 is a coalition of 97 global cities united in their commitment to bold climate action for a more sustainable future. With an almost equal representation of cities from the Global North and Global South, C40 strives to ensure that solutions address the diverse challenges of urban communities while prioritizing equity and inclusivity. As cities are responsible for over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, metropolitan areas are at the forefront of both the climate crisis and the fight to solve it. In recent years, the urgency of climate action has only increased. Concentrations of carbon dioxide have continued to rise sharply, and the devastating impacts of climate change—extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating air quality—are now a daily reality for many urban residents. While international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord have established targets, meaningful progress at the national level has often been slow or insufficient. In this vacuum, cities have emerged as the most effective agents for climate action, taking the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable urban systems. At the heart of this effort is the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in metropolitan areas, where rapid urbanization, growing populations, and energy demands intensify the challenge. Delegates in committee will represent the C40 cities, tasked with developing actionable and innovative policies to drive down emissions. These solutions must target key sectors such as transportation, energy, waste management, and urban planning, while balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.