Compact, green and car-free. Can city living beat climate change?

Although urbanisation is a global trend often associated with increased incomes and higher consumption, the growing concentration of people and activities is an opportunity to increase resource efficiency and decarbonise at scale, says a recent report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Photo: AFP

With a whopping 70% of humanity predicted to be living in urban areas by the middle of the century, United Nations climate experts see a huge opportunity to create ideal cities that are walkable, leafy and energy efficient.

Urban areas currently account for around 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, notes a comprehensive report on climate change solutions from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released recently.