Cities are responsible for approximately 67 percent of global energy consumption and 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. As population growth rises in urban areas, cities are increasingly vulnerable to the climate crisis, which makes them essential partners in achieving global climate targets.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the cornerstone of the Paris Agreement and are key policy instruments, defining national adaptation and mitigation commitments. As such, it is vital that NDCs reflect urban climate challenges and solutions. This report – jointly prepared by UNDP, UN-Habitat and the University of Southern Denmark, with support from C40 Cities – analyses urban content in 194 NDCs.

It provides analysis and guidance to policymakers and practitioners to: (i) facilitate better understanding of the urban focus in NDCs, (ii) highlight climate challenges and opportunities in cities, (iii) support countries to place cities at the center of their climate ambition, and (iv) provide unique climate data to inform policymaking.

Key findings include:

1. 66 percent NDCs analysed contain either a moderate or strong level of urban content, indicating space for greater emphasis on urban priorities and solutions.
2. Many NDCs (160) highlight the need for finance to facilitate NDC implementation at national levels, while only 26 include specific requests for finance at urban levels.
3. 44 percent of NDCs emphasize sectors; energy, transport and mobility, and waste lead for mitigation, while infrastructure and water lead for adaptation.
4. Emphasis on climate hazards is indicated in 89 percent of NDCs; however, only 40 percent mention urban climate hazards.