COP29: From Baku to Belém - Takeaways and action items for cities and built environment stakeholders

Stakeholder groups across the buildings and construction value chain - including subnational governments, which play a primary role in policy implementation and compliance - know that the operational and process CO2 emissions from buildings and construction  are responsible for 37 percent of the global share of emissions. These groups therefore play a critical role in supporting national governments achievement of their NDC targets through addressing emissions associated with the built environment. Cities are transforming buildings through programs like the C40 Net Zero Carbon Accelerator and can be key implementers for the change that is needed to reduce emissions in this key sector. The Coalition for High Ambition Multi-level Partnerships (CHAMP), agreed to at COP28, is supporting more ambitious climate action by promoting dialogue and integrated policy-making between national and subnational governments. Through CHAMP and the Buildings Breakthrough Priority Action 5 (Capacity Building), collaboration at all levels of government and across all stakeholder groups is encouraged to help address the capacity building, skills development, and institutional frameworks needed to turbocharge coordinated and effective climate action.   Cross-cutting themes like capacity building and multi-level collaboration will likely emerge throughout the various presentations, roundtables, and high-level dialogues throughout COP29. This session provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the key action items and takeaways for cities and the stakeholder groups that play a role in the effective rollout of city policies and regulations related to improved resilience, adaptation, and carbon reduction. Join us for a discussion about what we can and should be doing individually and collectively as we depart Baku and work towards Belém.