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Green Cities Initiative

In September 2020, FAO launched its Green Cities Initiative (GCI) at the 75th session of the United National General Assembly.

The FAO GCI assists cities to identify, develop and implement strategies tailored to their context contributing to green urban regeneration, increasing health and well-being of urban and peri-urban population, supporting mitigation and adaptation to climate shocks and minimization of the carbon footprint, strengthening urban-rural linkages, and promoting sustainable urban development.

This is achieved by integrating urban and peri-urban forestry, agriculture and bioeconomy into the fabric of urban life. Such a multi-functional green infrastructure approach is promoted as lever for sustainable urban development and cities involved can enhance environmental, social and economic well-being of urban population.

Through this approach, the initiative is expected to improve the overall resilience of 1 000 cities globally by 2030, including small, intermediary, and metropolitan cities and to deliver a wide range of environmental, socio-economic and health benefits to their inhabitants.

Did you know?

55 percent of the world’s population resides in urban areas
If well managed, urban forests and trees can reduce air temperature by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reduce the costs of air conditioning by up to 40 percent, reduce stormwater flows and improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants

Cities produce about 70 percent of global waste
Metropolitan areas are home to about 41 percent of the world population and contribute to around 60 percent of global GDP
Cities already consume almost 80 percent of the total energy produced in the world and absorb up to 70 percent of the food supply
By 2050 the urban population is expected to rise to 68 percent, mainly in low-income countries
Smaller cities have higher rates of poverty than larger cities

Highlights

FAO Green Cities Initiative