Abstract

The impacts of the climate crisis in the world’s cities are vast and multiplying, and already causing unprecedented loss and damage beyond scientific predictions. While the climate crisis affects urban and rural areas alike, many losses and damages are exacerbated in cities – due to population density, concentration of economic activities, and geographic location. This is particularly acute in rapidly urbanising countries in the Global South, where an estimated one billion people live in informal settlements, facing higher climate vulnerability.

Loss and damage is fundamentally an issue of climate justice, as those who have contributed the least to climate breakdown are the ones who most bear the brunt of its adverse effects. This is true between countries and regions, but also between generations and gender, as well as within cities, where the most vulnerable are also the most impacted. 

Although locally led actions are rarely framed in loss and damage terms, cities are at the forefront of loss and damage responses. Despite limited mandates and resources, cities are already showing how increased support could help tackle the issue in urban areas. This report outlines some of the ways in which cities are taking key action on loss and damage:

1. Preventing and preparing for climate risks, beyond the limits of adaptation.
2. Acting as first responders in the immediate crisis aftermath, ensuring continuity of services and providing relief to those most in need.
3. Generating data and evidence on economic and non-economic loss and damage, leveraging local knowledge and proximity to communities.
4. Enhancing city-to-city cooperation and showing global solidarity through the sharing of expertise, knowledge and capacity on climate response.
5. Influencing national and multilateral discussions through mayoral diplomacy and advocacy.

This report is also accompanied by a two-page summary for policymakers, available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.