COP29 has come to a close, and we are reflecting on the important discussions, including the high-level roundtable on nature, health, and agriculture in cities. The event brought together representatives from Azerbaijan, as well as international organizations such as WMO, UNEP, WHO and UN-Habitat, to address key challenges cities face in the context of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Global Challenges

Cities occupy just 3% of the planet’s surface but are already home to half of the world’s population. Projections indicate that by 2050, this number will rise to 68%. This rapid urbanization puts pressure on ecosystems and infrastructure, while climate change, particularly extreme heat, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

One of the central topics discussed was nature-based solutions, such as urban agriculture and ecosystem restoration. These measures can enhance urban resilience, improve public health, and ensure food security.

Collaborative Efforts

Participants emphasized the importance of cooperation between national and local governments to integrate nature-based solutions into urban planning, which will help achieve both environmental and socio-economic goals. Agreements were also made to further develop and scale these initiatives.