Cities on the Frontline Speaker Series
#07 – Launch of the Chair’s Agenda
In our special Earth Day session, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Chairman of the Resilient Cities Network Board, launched the R-Cities Chair’s Agenda. This agenda calls for immediate investment in resilient climate-ready infrastructure that is equitable and produces green jobs in cities around the world. The 7th Cities on the Frontline speaker series details the urgency for implementing climate resilient measures and the big moves that can be made towards carbon neutrality.
“Cities are often where the greatest challenge is but are also where the greatest gains will be made.” – Leader of the Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken
With Scotland having some of the most ambitious net-zero targets, the City of Glasgow is at the forefront of advancing concrete actions. Leader Aitken shared the many avenues through which cities can become more climate resilient and meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Some of these include decarbonizing how we heat or cool the built environment, work towards sustainable waste management, and develop nature-based solutions. She discussed the need for an economic transition where cities must move away from high-carbon jobs and identify skills and green jobs of the future.
She underscores the importance of addressing affordability in achieving a successful transition. For example, balancing the rise of the electric private vehicle with provision of sustainable public transportation. Or ensuring that renewable energy sources are affordable to the masses.
Dr. Sameh Wahaba, Global Director and the World Bank and Marissa Aho, Chief Resilience Officer at the City of Houston, join the session to share their reflections and ideas about the Chair’s Agenda, the need for intersectional approaches and ideas on how we can build back better.
Sylvester Turner
Mayor City of Houston, Chairman, R-Cities Board
“Let there be no doubt – climate change is real and pressing. We cannot afford to stand still.”
Susan Aitken
Leader, Glassgow City Council
“While nation states pledge, its cities that deliver.”
“We need to make sure the role of cities is not only recognised, but resourced.”
Marissa Aho
Chief Resilience Officer, City of Houston
“We’ve had an ability to embed a resilience-lens and an equity-lens into our recovery process.”
“The Chair’s Agenda is action-oriented and implementation-oriented.”
Dr. Sameh Wahba
Global Director, The World Bank, R-Cities Board Member
“We’ve had an ability to embed a resilience-lens and an equity-lens into our recovery process.”
“The Chair’s Agenda is action-oriented and implementation-oriented.”
