Cities

CDP provides the global platform for cities to measure, manage and disclose their environmental data. We work with over 800 cities measuring and disclosing environmental data each year to manage emissions, build resilience, protect themselves from climate impacts and create better places for people to live and work. These cities are disclosing over 8,000 urban sustainability actions, demonstrating their commitment to building a sustainable economy and tackling climate change. We are nearing a tipping point in mainstreaming environmental action, and cities are at the heart of this transition.

Why you? How does CDP help?

The global context The risks The opportunities

1/2

of the world's population live in cities.

80%

of global GDP is generated in cities.

2/3

of the world's energy is consumed by cities.

$140bn

total annual damage on average between 2005 and 2014 as a result of climate change.

"Climate change poses a serious threat to the wealth and wellbeing of our city. Delaying action will be costly, which is why we are taking steps now to ensure we build resilience in Kisumu. CDP is the best initiative on climate change I have seen in a long time because it is focused on practical actions.” - Kisumu, Kenya

$158tn

worth of assets at risk from climate change by 2050. That's double the total annual output of the global economy.

74%

of disclosing cities see economic opportunities from climate change.

"Participating in CDP cities showed us the importance of managing our carbon footprint as an opportunity to seek more efficient and economic processes financially, socially and environmentally." - Belo Horizonte, Brazil

3.7gt

the amount by which CO2e GHG emissions could be reduced in cities per year by 2030.

Improving measurement Through disclosure What are the benefits

CDP’s standardized reporting platform provides a framework for measuring and tracking risks, hazards, emissions and water use.

"CDP has given us a systematic in-depth [look at the] status of our climate policy. It has enabled us to gather updated information within our city government." - Oslo, Norway

CDP analyzes submitted data so cities can show how their actions are safeguarding citizens and benefiting the economy.

Disclosure helps a city demonstrate how it is acting on climate change and provides data to improve these actions year-on-year.

By sharing a platform used by thousands of businesses, cities can increase collaboration with the private sector, realize their full potential for climate-resilient futures and ensure long-term prosperity.

Cities that are acting and disclosing actions on climate change are better placed to attract investment.

"In San Jose we really like to use data to make decisions, we like to understand what is happening and then make choices. We value the opportunity to collect our own data." - San Jose, USA

Reporting cities don't simply put more data into the market place. They also get extremely high quality data back from CDP.

"Our participation in CDP gave us a platform and opportunity to learn and share best practices across cities in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience." - Singapore

Cities are vital in the transition to a sustainable economy. CDP helps cities disclose their environmental activities, understand their impact and take action.

Open data portal

Cities case studies

City Business Climate Alliance Guide

We support local and regional policymakers to make the transition to a low carbon world, limiting warming to 1.5°C. Learn more about what the latest IPCC science means for you.

Start the journey to being a green, sustainable city now by measuring, monitoring and managing your impact on the environment.

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