Abstract:

Cities are directly responsible for around two thirds of global final energy use as well as for significant indirect consumption of energy that is embodied in materials, products and other goods. Due largely to this energy use, cities account for an estimated 75% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition, cities account for 55% of the global population and for more than 80% of global gross domestic product. Thus, shifting to renewable energy in cities is critical to decarbonising the global energy system. At the same time, cities offer a lever to advance the transition towards renewable energy in all end-use sectors, not only in power but also in heating and cooling and in transport.