On 7 October 2025, I delivered a keynote address at the in Tokyo, Japan, which brought together leaders from government, cities and international organizations. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, Japanese State Minister of the Environment Fumiaki Kobayashi, Mayor of Freetown in Sierra Leone Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, and other influential figures reminded us that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat, but rather our everyday reality.
Exactly ten years ago, the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that the world was nearing a ¡°tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible¡±. His words, spoken in December 2015, resonate louder than ever today. The planet has already broken record temperatures for three consecutive years. As the current Secretary-General, Ant¨®nio Guterres, recently warned, the 1.5¡ãC global target risks ¡°collapsing¡±.
Yet, within this sobering reality, opportunity also exists. The key place for climate action isn¡¯t just in international negotiation rooms but also in the very communities where most people live ¡ª our cities.
Why cities matter
More than half of the world¡¯s population now resides in cities, and these urban areas account for approximately 70% of global CO? emissions. Cities are both the centre of the problem and the key to the solution. The science is clear: to keep global warming at manageable levels, we must reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This involves changing how we power our homes, move people and goods, design buildings and manage our resources.
Cities, with their dense populations and capacity for innovation, are uniquely positioned to lead. Urban governments can implement policies that reach millions quickly and at scale. They can reinvent transportation systems, retrofit buildings and swiftly expand renewable energy sources.
In fact, municipal involvement in addressing climate change dates back to the early 1990s, with cities working through networks such as the and the Climate Alliance. Today, global coalitions such as C40 are strengthening this momentum.
Mitigation and adaptation ¡ª together
Much of the focus so far has been on mitigation, which involves reducing emissions through the use of renewable energy, efficient building design and sustainable transportation. However, adaptation ¡ª preparing for the unavoidable impacts already set in motion ¡ª remains relatively overlooked.
Cities need to build resilience against extreme heat, sea-level rise, flooding and storms. This involves green infrastructure, early-warning systems, and climate-aware urban planning.
Collaboration is crucial. Cities must act locally while also learning from the global community. Sharing knowledge and technology across urban networks can accelerate innovation and expand the reach of solutions.
Standardized reporting systems enable progress to be measured and shared. Partnerships can connect cities facing similar vulnerabilities or with complementary expertise, boosting resilience across borders.
Proof that it works
Urban climate action also has multiplier effects, reducing inequality, creating employment opportunities and enhancing positive health outcomes. Cities that take bold steps inspire their national governments to follow, creating a virtuous cycle of ambition.
COP30 in Brazil later this year must recognize cities as essential partners in global climate governance. National commitments will only be credible if they include concrete urban actions.
A hummingbird¡¯s lesson
The late Kenyan environmentalist Wangar? Maathai reiterated the story of a hummingbird facing a raging forest fire. While the larger animals despaired, the hummingbird carried tiny drops of water to fight the blaze. When mocked for its size, it replied: ¡°I am doing the best I can¡±.
Cities are networks of hummingbirds. Small, local actions ¡ª when multiplied and connected ¡ª can turn despair into transformation. If cities endure and enough of us support them, they can help alter the course of the climate crisis.
The climate fight is no longer about tomorrow; it is about today. The time to act is now.
Suggested citation: Marwala Tshilidzi. "A Time to Act and Why Cities Hold the Key to the Climate Crisis," ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Centre, 2025-10-15, /article/time-act-and-why-cities-hold-key-climate-crisis.
