1. Collaboration is key. Cities are very sophisticated ecosystems, where challenges cannot be siloed. Strategic partnerships and garnering trust between the public and private sectors is fundamental to maximizing value for all players. Cities can also utilize partnerships with universities and other research hubs to highlight best practices.

2. New investment is an opportunity to place the wellbeing of citizens front and center. Increasing the resilience of communities towards incoming climate change can be addressed in concert with tech and economic challenges. Moving forward, solutions to reducing carbon emissions should also make our cities more equitable, resilient, and liveable.

3. Personal vehicle dependency is a major obstacle. At the root of the globe’s large carbon footprint is a reliance on cars that take up space, contribute substantially to emissions, and shape the built environment of cities. While transitioning to electric vehicles is a start, more substantial change involves integrating multiple forms of public and active transport into a cohesive system.

4. Land-use and zoning regulations must be updated. As infrastructure is renewed, cities can reimagine the way they are designed and planned to encourage mixed-use, density, and walkability. If we are going to think long-term, policy incentives and zoning updates should support the transition to new economies

5. Investing in carbon-neutrality will save money in the long run. As cities generate major savings by prioritizing energy and transportation efficiency, they can reinvest those funds into future projects involving technology, development, and urban reinvigoration.