In September 2020, FAO launched its Green Cities Initiative (GCI) at the 75th session of the United National General Assembly.
The FAO GCI envisions vibrant and inclusive cities where urban green and productive spaces catalyze biodiversity, climate resilience, social cohesion, and economic prosperity, bridging the gap between citizens and nature, and between urban and rural areas.
The mission of the FAO GCI, by 2030, is to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of people in 1000 cities while actively addressing urbanization challenges. This is achieved by integrating urban and peri-urban forestry, agriculture and bioeconomy into the fabric of urban life.
Did you know?
55 percent of the world’s population resides in urban areas
If well managed, urban forests and trees can reduce air temperature by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reduce the costs of air conditioning by up to 40 percent, reduce stormwater flows and improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants
Cities produce about 70 percent of global waste
Metropolitan areas are home to about 41 percent of the world population and contribute to around 60 percent of global GDP
Cities already consume almost 80 percent of the total energy produced in the world and absorb up to 70 percent of the food supply
By 2050 the urban population is expected to rise to 68 percent, mainly in low-income countries
Smaller cities have higher rates of poverty than larger cities
Highlights
Latest publications
