ABSTRACT

In a context where international and national actions seem to be moving too slowly to ‘seriously’ tackle climate change, cities often find themselves in a situation of ‘necessity’, one in which local realities simply demand that climate change be addressed. Looming natural disasters, acute air pollution, and water scarcity, among other challenges, are often exacerbated by growing populations and increasing inequality. These challenges prompt cities to take action, and even unexpected cities might sense the need to take a leadership role in urban climate action.