Urban sustainable development governance, finance and politics

This book is born from a shared understanding of the crucial role cities, like Rio de Janeiro, played during Brasil’s G20 presidency and the need to enhance the global conversation on sustainable development by focusing more on its urban and local dimensions. In the context of an escalating climate crisis, urban sustainable development is emerging as a critical issue. As cities grow at unprecedented rates, the demand for innovative approaches to environmental sustainability, social justice, regulatory frameworks, and economic vitality becomes even more pressing. In response, Urban Sustainable Development: Governance, Finance and Politics seeks to shape the agenda for sustainable urban futures. This volume brings together leading scholars, government officials, practitioners, and experts from across the world to discuss the governance, financial structures, and political dynamics driving urban sustainability. While the role of cities in sustainable development is increasingly recognized, it remains underexplored. To address this, the book is divided into two sections, each providing unique insights into the complexities of urban sustainable development. The first section offers a conceptual debate, laying the theoretical foundation to understand the intersections between taxation, regulation, mitigation, and adaptation policies. Here, the authors explore the crucial roles of local governments, the importance of multilevel governance, and the financial mechanisms that can either support or hinder green initiatives. It also examines the political tensions between urban development and environmental conservation, particularly in regions where these goals are often seen as incompatible. This theoretical lens equips readers with the tools to critically assess current sustainability frameworks and imagine future pathways for resilient cities. Professor Candice Howarth begins the discussion by outlining the key ideas shaping both urban sustainability and the broader environmental sustainability agenda. Dr. Arkebe Oqubay follows with an experience-driven analysis, drawing on his tenure as Mayor of Addis Ababa to discuss the concept of productive cities. Professor Adela Gondek explores the often-overlooked ethical dimensions of sustainability in urban spaces. The G20’s Urban 20 (U20) engagement group, central to this book’s development, provides a framework for Professor Fernando Straface’s contribution, which traces the origins and evolution of U20 since its launch during Argentina’s 2019 G20 presidency. Together with Mariana Cammisa, he reflects on lessons in city diplomacy at the highest level. João Cochlar tackles the legal question of how city networks can play a role in climate litigation, a pressing issue for advancing the international urban sustainability agenda.

source :

https://www.cebri.org/media/documentos/arquivos/Urban-Sustainable-DevelopmentD.pdf