NEW YORK, United Nations, May 15, 2009—Cities and their residents are the main drivers of global warming, yet also offer the best means for slowing the rate and impact of climate change, according to the 2009 annual edition of The Little Green Data Book.
The annual compilation of statistics on environment-related issues was released Friday by the World Bank on the occasion of the 17th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
The Little Green Data Book 2009 points to the world’s cities as key determinants of climate change, because most economic activity takes place in urban areas. This makes cities hubs of relative affluence, which in turn raises their levels of greenhouse gas emission – one of the reasons why, historically, developed countries have produced more greenhouse gases than developing countries. But such economic activity is spreading as urbanization continues throughout the world: by 2050, an estimated 70 per cent of earth’s population will live in cities.
If energy-use patterns remain unchanged, greenhouse gas emissions will rise significantly – since cities on average derive about 72 per cent of their energy from coal, oil, and natural gas. (Cities are also the main users of renewable energy, but these sources still make up just a small share of total energy consumed.).
An important distinction, nevertheless, needs to be made: that people who live in more dense city-centers, on average, often produce 30 per cent to 50 per cent less GHG emissions than their suburban neighbors.
Commenting on the The Little Green Data Book 2009, Katherine Sierra, Vice President for Sustainable Development at the World Bank, said: – National and city governments around the world face major challenges – and opportunities – as they weigh the choices for their future energy mix. There is no doubt that public policies can improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. And these decisions will be vitally important, not only to the cities and countries concerned, but to the future wellbeing of our world at large.
Læs mere: www.worldbank.org/environment/dataandstatistics
