Decarbonizing Our Cities: A Path to Sustainability

The urgency for climate action has never been more pronounced. As we stand on the precipice of a climate crisis, local governments and stakeholders are developing pathways towards deep decarbonization at the local level. Urban areas, accounting for 71%–76% of global greenhouse gas emissions, are the largest place-based source of these emissions. The challenge is daunting, but the solutions are within reach. By focusing on five priority sectors—electricity, buildings, transportation, waste, and carbon sinks and storage—cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprints.

The whitepaper from Danfoss, "Roadmap for decarbonizing cities," provides a clear, achievable pathway forward. The paper shows how existing energy efficiency and electrification measures across sectors can immediately reduce emissions and accelerate a green transition in cities. As the world’s population continues its surge towards 10 billion people by 2050, it is now expected that almost 70 percent of the world’s inhabitants will be city dwellers by this date. In their current form, with energy demand continuing to grow, cities would produce a wholly unsustainable level of emissions that would be completely incompatible with key climate targets, such as the 1.5°C target set out by the 2015 Paris Agreement.



Energy efficiency in cities is essential for global decarbonization. If all urban areas and cities in Europe, the US, and China invested in energy-efficient heating and cooling of buildings, this would contribute 20% to the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Electrification of vehicles will play a large role. Electrification of urban transport, both private (light) and public (heavy), is crucial for successful climate targets. 28% of the decarbonization necessary to stay within the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement would be achieved if all urban areas in Europe, the US, and China electrified private and public transport. Improved efficiency can accelerate the electrification of transport. Both in passenger cars, heavy duty vehicles, and in marine transport, efficiency measures can reduce the size of the batteries needed thus limiting the raw material requirements. Increasing efficiency can also bring down the demand for charging infrastructure and increase the productivity and range of the vehicle.

The whitepaper analysis provides a concrete roadmap for mayors, local officials, and urban planners on how to eliminate all major drivers of the carbon footprint of cities. The paper also explores how available technologies can improve the livelihoods of citizens while at the same time making our economies more resilient and creating jobs. Ultimately, it offers a holistic and concrete view of the major opportunities for decarbonizing cities.

However, the path to decarbonization is not without its challenges. The initial cost of investing in energy-efficient and electrified technologies can be prohibitive. Additionally, the infrastructure required to support these technologies, such as charging stations for electric vehicles, may not be readily available in all areas. Furthermore, there may be resistance from some stakeholders who are invested in the current fossil fuel-based systems and may see the transition to renewable energy as a threat to their interests.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of decarbonization are clear. By investing in energy-efficient buildings, electrifying transportation, and integrating sectors, cities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This not only helps to mitigate climate change but also creates jobs, improves public health, and enhances the quality of life for citizens.

In conclusion, decarbonizing our cities is within reach. By focusing on priority sectors and integrating existing technologies, cities can bridge the gap in urban greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to meet the 1.5°C pathway. The challenge is significant, but the solutions are available. It is up to local governments, stakeholders, and citizens to work together to create a sustainable future for our cities and our planet.