Cities

More than 65% of the world's population are projected to live in urban areas by 2050, with major implications resource use, energy, water and sanitation, and health and well-being. At the same time urbanization can bring benefits, especially efficiency gains. SEI examines these challenges in the round to advance sustainable urbanization.

A view looking down on green grassy lawn with two gray gravel rings with benches, bushes, trees, bordered by sidewalk and two apartment blocks, horizontally framing the top and bottom of the image.

The co-impacts of climate action in cities

SEI working paper / This working paper introduces research on the co-impacts of climate action, both positive and negative, with a specific focus on cities, to inform future work.

30 January 2025 / About Cities and Climate policy

Global nitrous oxide assessment

Other publication / The 2024 Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment identifies opportunities to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by over 40%, focusing on the food systems sector.

13 November 2024 / About Cities and Food and agriculture

The INGENIOUS project: towards understanding air pollution in homes

Journal article / INGENIOUS project researchers studied indoor air quality in 300+ Bradford homes, linking pollutants to cooking and ventilation practices.

27 January 2025 / About Cities

Pursuing more equitable access to urban green spaces: engaging with social equity in urban planning in low- and middle-income countries

SEI report / This SEI report examines issues that must be addressed to foster community-led initiatives to plan, maintain, restore and expand urban nature spaces.

23 January 2025 / About Cities, Land use, Participation and Wellbeing

Blurry red and white buildings in the distance, with a water puddle in focus in the foreground reflecting blue sky and clouds.

Nature-based solutions in municipal stormwater management in Sweden: costs, co-benefits, responsibilities and policies

SEI report / Policy and planning for nature-based solutions can be furthered in sustainable stormwater management in Swedish municipalities.

22 January 2025 / About Cities

Grounds for change

Perspective / This piece, one of three SEI Currents for 2025, examines the growing role of land in addressing climate, environment and sustainable development issues.

21 January 2025 / About Bioeconomy, Cities, Ecosystems, Food and agriculture, Forests and Land use

Clean Air for Enhanced Urban Climate Resilience in Africa Cities: Nairobi, Kampala and Addis Ababa

Project / This project will build scientific evidence and knowledge platforms for urban air quality and climate resilience.

2025 - 2026 / About Cities, Pollution and Short lived climate pollutants

Eco-social neighbourhoods in Lund, Sweden

Project / Creating practical tools for decisionmakers in Lund to leverage sustainable consumption and socially just climate transitions.

2025 - 2026 / About Cities, Mitigation, Participation and Sustainable lifestyles

In Miami Beach, Florida, a green bike lane protects bikers as they bike alongside cars.

Transport Justice Modelling

Project / This project uses mathematical modelling tools and techniques to enable local stakeholders to make equitable transportation planning decisions.

2025 / About Cities, Participation, Pollution, Public policy, Sustainable lifestyles and Transport