Film series: How to build a sustainable city

In our three-part series, three global cities demonstrate how they are building sustainable economies through innovative solutions to tackle climate change. Are our three cities reaching a tipping point? What can they teach us about accelerating city action?

The third and final installment in our film series explores the people of London and their ideas for taking on the big challenge of our time: climate change.

London, United Kingdom

With 9 million inhabitants, London is a global city brimming with ideas, energy and expertise. It’s no coincidence that such an economic powerhouse has big ambition when it comes to reducing emissions. Aligned with the Paris Agreement, Mayor Sadiq Khan has set a bold target for the capital, to be zero net carbon by 2050.

For London, switching to renewable energy is fundamental to reach their climate goals. Whether it’s encouraging residents in the poorest boroughs to switch to green energy - reducing costs - or driving companies to think about their purchasing.

Across the city, there is a democratic movement of people taking control over their environment.

Stockholm, Sweden

Cities will house 68% of the world’s population by 2050. With such accelerated growth comes pressure on transportation networks. By mid-century, these networks will need to handle an extra 2.5 billion journeys.

For the city of Stockholm, decarbonizing the transport system is seen as the last hurdle in their journey to be fossil fuel free by 2040. Achieving this ambitious goal means the city is turning to bikes, buses, trams and zero-emission ferries, solutions which aid the transition away from private car ownership.

From just 8% of buses being fossil fuel free in 2007 to a practically fossil-free fleet in 2018, there is no denying the ambition, political will and spirit of public/private collaboration that is taking place in the city. There are lessons here for cities worldwide.

Memphis, Tennessee

As part of the Global Covenant of Mayors, the city of Memphis in Tennessee has committed to combat climate change and moving towards a low emission, resilient city.

Situated on the banks of the River Mississippi, it's increasingly vulnerable to flooding, water pollution and scarcity. With climate disasters like hurricane Florence bringing punishing winds, floods and rain to the East Coast of the United States, putting millions of lives at risk, we need climate leaders to prepare us for moments like these.

In this short film, we explore how the people of Memphis are working together to factor water into their thinking across government, business and communities.