THE POWER OF PEOPLE, PLACES & FIRMS
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen people talk about “the cloud”, it sounds weightless, something almost magical floating in the sky. Except that it isn’t. It lives on the ground, in data centres filled with servers that store, process and move staggering amounts of information every second. These data centres consume energy, occupy land, use metals and minerals from global supply chains – and they need vast amounts of water for cooling.
Reading Time: 4 minutes2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels. Urgent action is required to address climate risks, particularly in vulnerable polar and tropical regions, to mitigate severe impacts.
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe OECD’s “No Net Zero Without SMEs” campaign emphasises the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises in green innovation and climate action. Despite challenges, opportunities for sustainable SMEs are growing globally.
Reading Time: 3 minutesDespite efforts to decarbonize the building sector, focus has primarily been on new buildings, neglecting the energy inefficiency of older buildings. Collaboration between national and subnational governments is vital in establishing near-zero emissions standards for new constructions by 2030.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn our newest Mayor of the Moment interview, Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, Japan, discusses the green transformation, cooperation with other Champion Mayors as well as other Asian cities.
Reading Time: 4 minutesSMEs are key for a sustainable climate transition – there will be no net zero without SMEs. Find out more about how banks and other financial institutions have a central role to play in financing SMEs’ green and sustainable investments.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn Bogotá, 1.2 million women dedicate most of their time to unpaid care work, and 90% of them live in poverty. Bogotá Mayor Claudia López discusses what she’s doing to relieve the burden on women in her city.
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe green transition is reshaping jobs, firms and places. It is also creating ‘winners and losers’ as we race to reach Net Zero, with gaps emerging in the distribution of green jobs. Left unchecked, this could lead to some places being left behind, jeopardising the green transition. What can cities and regions do to boost green job creation?