Experts debated climate change and the role of cities in Buenos Aires

It was during the international roundtable on “territory, infrastructure and sustainability”, a T20 associated event on 27 and 28 June

The T20 Argentina and the International Urban Development Association (INTA) held a roundtable on 27 and 28 July. It was on “territory, infrastructure and sustainability” and experts reflected on the policy briefs of the T20 Argentina Task Force on “Climate Action and Infrastructure for Development”.

The main topics addressed were: integrating the concept of urban metabolism in adaptation strategies, developing mechanisms for metropolitan governance to manage climate resilience and to incorporate low-carbon development strategies in infrastructure investment.

Participants included the co-authors of the policy brief on climate resilience and representatives of the three territorial case studies, as well as leading academics, politicians and relevant members from civil society: Sylvain Ducas, Urban consultant from Montreal; Myriam Arabián, from the Municipal Commission of Urban Development and Environment of Puebla; and Alejandra Rodriguez, from the Green Alliance Party of Bogotá.

Gabriel Lanfranchi, co-chair of the Task Force on “Climate Action and Infrastructure for Development” said: “Cities, which emit 70% of GHG emissions and house 54% of the world’s population, play a key role in carrying out actions towards complying with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.” He added: “Coordination between different levels of the government and the participation of key actors of the private sector, non-governmental and of civil society, is fundamental for the successful development of low-carbon development strategies.”