Can a city be sustainable without also being just? The simple answer is no.  
 
The urgent threat posed by the climate crisis and the gloomy prospect of global temperature rising above the 1.5°C target calls upon cities to be places for sustainable transitions. The recent update to the IPCC’s Climate Report highlights climate change is disproportionately affecting marginalised communities, underscoring the importance of justice, equity, and inclusion in enabling truly transformational approaches. The UN-backed global ‘Race to Zero’ and the European Commission’s Mission ‘100 climate neutral cities by 2030’ recognise the huge potential for cities to provide spaces where transformative change can be leveraged and upscaled. Beyond offering climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, cities are also the melting pot where urban planning intersects with all policy areas relevant for citizens and their well-being – from mobility to food, education, health, work, and leisure.  

 As defined by the New Leipzig Charter, the green city has the transformative power to fight global warming, while creating sustainable energy, mobility, and circular economy alternatives.

 It provides high environmental quality for all and contributes to regenerating biodiverse ecosystems.     

How can green cities address grand societal challenges while tackling issues of justice and equity?

How can we foster deep forms of democracy and citizen empowerment through environmentally sound urban transitions?  
 
Over the past years, ICLEI Europe has been working with local governments and other stakeholders to 
foster the integration of justice into sustainable urban development. Together with the UrbanA project, they developed 17 keys to guide city-makers in creating sustainable and just cities.      
 
The Just and Green Policy Lab will explore the critical tension between urgent climate action and the need to address intersectional inequalities, inviting experts to reflect on the scope for (urban) policy to integrate these dimensions. 

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