Urbanization and Climate Diplomacy: The Stake of Cities in Global Climate Governance

This paper examines the role of cities and city networks in the current international climate policy architecture, such as the evolution of intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) and climate finance, as well as the role that cities should play based on their potential to drive climate policies from the bottom up. First it examines the historical and current role of cities in climate diplomacy. Second, it discusses cities’ motivation for engaging in climate diplomacy, including a closer examination of regional commonalities and differences. Third, it analyses emerging actors in climate diplomacy, including city networks. It concludes with suggestions on steps that can be taken to better integrate cities in future climate governance.