Context: Recently, a report titled ‘BiodiverCities by 2030: transforming cities relationships with nature’ was launched.

• The report was released by the BiodiverCities by 2030 Initiative(WEF), in collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt Institute and the government of Colombia.

Key findings of the Report

Globally, cities contribute 80% to global GDP and 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Around 75% of the population on Earth will be living in cities by 2050 (currently 56%).
• Around 44% of global GDP in cities is estimated to be at risk of disruption from nature loss.

During 1990-2015, the global urban population increased an average of 1.9 times.

• In the same period(19990-2015), the urban footprint increased an average of 2.5 times.
• Urbanization accounts for 11-16% of global biodiversity loss.

Suggestions of the report

• Spatially (re)integrating nature in urban planning.
• Restoring nature as the backbone of cities’ development.
• land-sparing interventions.

Nature-based solutions (NbS): Sustainable use of nature

• By shifting investment to nature-based solutions (NbS) for infrastructure, cities can build a climate-resilient environment, reducing biological impact.
• NbS are 50% more cost-effective than “grey” alternatives. But still, they received just 0.3% of overall spending on urban infrastructure in 2021.
• NbS investments could create more than 59 million jobs by 2030 and will also save the natural ecosystem.

About the BiodiverCities by 2030 Initiative

• BiodiverCities by 2030 is a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute, supported by the Government of Colombia.
• It aims to support city governments, businesses and citizens, to enable cities to live in harmony with nature by 2030.
• BiodiverCities have five characteristics: guiding nature-positive actions on infrastructure, governance, economy, health and wellbeing.