Bogotá’s Journey to Ambitious Climate Action

A vision for change

Facing challenges like increased precipitation, flood risks, and vulnerability to heatwaves, Bogotá has embarked on an ambitious journey to build a sustainable future. At the heart of this transformation is the city's Climate Action Plan (CAP), which aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

As an active member of the C40 Cities network, Bogotá collaborates with other global metropolises to share knowledge and strategies for tackling climate change.

Mitigation targets and actions

Revolutionizing urban mobility

A cornerstone of Bogotá's mitigation strategy is action on public transport. The expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering emissions. Complementing this is the construction of the city's first metro line, providing a high-capacity, low-emission transport option.

Bogotá's public transport fleet is also going green with the introduction of electric buses, to cut emissions and improve air quality. The Regiotram, Colombia’s first electric train for inter-municipal transport, will connect surrounding municipalities to Bogotá, further easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution.

Additionally, a comprehensive bicycle policy encourages citizens to embrace cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

Embracing renewable energy

The city is making strides in renewable energy, with solar panels sprouting on public buildings and incentives promoting solar energy in residential areas. Energy efficiency is also a priority, with the implementation of standards for new buildings and retrofitting existing structures to reduce energy consumption.

Nature-based urban planning

Bogotá is co-creating and monitoring the solutions developed through euPOLIS, a EU-funded project aiming to improve public health in cities by introducing nature-based solutions into urban planning practices.

For this project, a designated area that includes El Renacimiento Park is being used as a case study to test the project's nature-based solutions methodology.

Rethinking waste management

City-wide recycling programs are being expanded to reduce landfill waste and lower methane emissions, while organic waste composting initiatives turn kitchen scraps into valuable compost for urban agriculture, cutting methane emissions in the process.

Adaptation and resilience strategies

Building resilience with green infrastructure

To combat urban heat and manage stormwater, Bogotá is investing in green infrastructure. Urban parks and green corridors are being created and maintained, enhancing biodiversity, providing much-needed recreational spaces and improving air quality. Green roofs and walls are becoming common sights, mitigating the urban heat island effect and better managing stormwater runoff.

There’s also a strategy to consolidate 21 urban forests – across 452 potential hectares – with native species with high biodiversity value planted across Bogotá.

Projects like Ecobarrios engage local communities in sustainable practices, promoting urban greening, waste management, sustainable water and energy use, circular economy and the use of unconventional renewable energy sources.

Mastering water management

To manage the threat of floods, Bogotá has put in place restoration projects for the Bogotá River and its tributaries to improve water flow and reduce flood risks. Wetlands within the city are also being protected and restored, to act as natural water retention and filtration systems.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are being implemented to manage stormwater effectively. These systems integrate with other water management infrastructures, enhancing the city’s ability to handle heavy rainfall and improving overall water quality.

Part of this strategy deals with building climate-resilient infrastructure. That is why Bogotá is implementing building codes and standards that require flood-resistant construction techniques in vulnerable areas.

Engaging the community

Bogotá recognizes that community engagement is key to successful climate action. Comprehensive climate data collection systems track progress and inform policies, while citizen science programs involve locals in environmental monitoring, fostering greater public awareness and participation.

Educational initiatives in schools and communities promote sustainable practices, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to continue the fight against climate change. Public awareness campaigns and innovative programs like “Mujeres que reverdecen” empower women with skills in gardening and urban agriculture, enhancing job prospects and contributing to the city’s greening efforts.

Pioneering projects

Innovative projects are at the heart of Bogotá’s climate strategy. The Bogotá Calle 116 project features 3.87 kilometers of bike lanes and over 50,000 square meters of sidewalks designed for safe, inclusive mobility. SUDs were installed in the public spaces of La Alambra square and Avenida Córdoba to reduce flood impacts, showcasing environmentally friendly urban design.

The Parque San Cristóbal pilot project studies SUDS processes, aiming to improve rainwater management. Meanwhile, the CONEXUS Life-Lab addresses challenges in urban-rural transition zones, designing nature-based solutions to manage urban sprawl and enhance ecosystem services.

The SALURBAL Trust project examines the health impacts of TransMiCable, a cable car system connecting underserved areas to the rest of the city. Findings show that a significant 80% of the residents’ trips are made via public transport and that the TransMiCable saves them 22 minutes per trip.

Bogotá’s multifaceted approach to tackling climate change demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, resilience and the well-being of its citizens.

By integrating mitigation efforts, adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions, the city aims to create a more sustainable and resilient urban environment capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change.

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