Make powerful progress

The theme for the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Cairo, ‘Together for Implementation’, signals the role of cities and regions as important actors in the fight against global warming.

The report here evaluates the status and progress of the UK in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across five sectors by assessing mitigation, adaptation, equitable climate action and city readiness to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

It further compares this against cities around the global and evaluates readiness to leverage transition drivers such technology, climate finance, innovative partnerships, and the circular economy, whilst striving to ensure equity, and effective climate governance. The report also emphasises the growing link between net zero and city prosperity through an intersectional understanding and approach to climate action.

Recognising the role of cities, KPMG has published its first global report which you can access here:  Net zero readiness spotlight: cities (NZSC).

Sector scorecard analysis

Source: Net Zero Readiness Spotlight: Cities. Insights Towards Progress, (KPMG), 2022

Energy sector

Energy sector

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From a policy perspective, energy policies are usually designed at the national, federal, provincial, or state levels and most cities lack control over core energy decarbonisation strategies such as ending use of unabated fossil fuels for electricity generation. Energy is one of the most regulated sectors. The integration of distributed energy resources and renewables is a major concern as well as the mismatch between regulations and the energy market.

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Mobility and connectivity

Mobility and connectivity

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One of the major challenges in decarbonising the transport sector is the cost of acquiring electric vehicles and the availability of charging infrastructure, which can make polices and initiatives redundant. The location, visibility and accessibility of charging stations must be taken into consideration and a supportive renewable electric grid should be in place to accelerate the uptake of cleaner transport.

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Built environment

Built environment

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Buildings are one of the defining features of cities and as urbanisation intensifies emissions are expected to continue to rise if the transition to Net zero is not accelerated. Buildings produce high levels of emissions, particularly from energy use for heating, cooling, and building operations. Seventy-five percent of global energy consumption occurs in cities and this is primarily attributed to the buildings sector.

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Waste and collection

Waste and collection

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The waste and sanitation sector typically generates fewer emissions than other sectors, but . remains a major contributor to greenhouse gases. As cities continue to grow, decarbonising waste management processes such as transportation and incineration will be critical. Water management is energy intensive and with rising energy prices across the globe, progress towards net zero may be slow.

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