C40 Cities has released a new report titled “Green and thriving neighbourhoods: three years of local action for global impact”, capturing practical lessons from 24 city pilots across Africa, Latin America, Asia, North America, and Europe. The report showcases how neighbourhood-scale sustainable urban development can address the interconnected climate, social, and economic challenges facing cities today.
Download the report here
Neighbourhoods are the core of urban life — where people live, work, and connect. Focusing climate action at this scale enables cities to deliver tangible improvements, from safer streets and better mobility to cleaner air and greener spaces. The Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods approach aligns with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment, which suggests that compact, connected, and mixed-use urban development can cut emissions by up to 26% by 2050 while enhancing public health, equity, and resilience.
The report outlines four core principles to help city leaders implement sustainable and inclusive change:
- Complete neighbourhoods and proximity
- People-centred public spaces and mobility
- Inclusive communities
- Urban nature and climate resilience
These principles are part of a broader framework outlined in the Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods Programme, jointly developed by C40 Cities and ARUP.
The report also introduces a suite of tools to support implementation, including emissions assessment methodologies, design guidance, the Healthy Neighbourhood Explorer, and a toolkit for measuring social wellbeing outcomes.
Reference: Green and thriving neighbourhoods – three years of local action for global impact