A Pivotal Moment for Urban Transformation: WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities 2019-2020 Annual Report

The unfolding coronavirus pandemic has exposed the systemic vulnerability and inequity of cities and underscored their crucial role in driving a sustainable future. While urban environments have been greatly disrupted, cities also offer promising opportunities to respond and recover while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, more equitable future. Indeed, the crisis has generated unprecedented public demand and political space for bold interventions that can radically improve the resilience, inclusiveness and livability of cities.

Cities must navigate formidable technical, financial, political and bureaucratic hurdles to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfill the commitments of the Paris Climate Agreement. If they succeed, they will lead unprecedented, systemic changes in energy, land use and infrastructure. At this pivotal moment, WRI Ross Center offers the knowledge, guidance, tools and resources cities need to make this vision a reality.