Ebook: Global Environment for Cities-GEO for Cities: Towards Green and Just Cities

GEO for Cities aims to inform, engage and support dialogue among city decision makers
and other actors involved in urban issues. The GEO-6 report, published in 2019, identified
urbanization as one of five main drivers of environmental change and also looked at the
impact on cities and city residents of related challenges such as climate change,
biodiversity loss and pollution. The GEO for Cities looks at these issues, but also presents
the types of solutions that can lead to environmentally sustainable and just cities.
The GEO for Cities process is led by two co-chairs, guided by an Advisory Committee of
organizations focused on urban and environment solutions (ICLEI, C40, Cities Alliance,
IIED, ODI, IIHS, GCSE), has been drafted by around 20 expert authors and supported by the
GEO Secretariat.
The environmental and urban challenges outlined in this report require urgent and
sustained attention from everyone involved in building or managing cities. To achieve
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, we must make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient and environmentally sustainable. UNEP, UN-Habitat, the GEO for
Cities Advisory Committee, its co-chairs and the expert authors hope that this report will
lead to the urgent action needed for cities to become the beacons of environmental
excellence that help their citizens lead productive, prosperous and equitable lives. Enjoy
and take action!