This year has put even more focus on the climate problem. Practically every part of the planet has had challenges in 2024 because of heatwaves, flooding, and other extreme weather events. The timing of COP29 was ideal to make significant advances in making cities and urban area more resilient. We want to look at the main points from the event here, then, if you need help from an architect in London, you can speak to us.

Finance

One of the most significant points from the event is, for the first time, it actually established a financial goal. Attendees gave a pledge to provide $1.3tn per year by 2035. Before that, there is a short term target of £300bn per year.

This funding will go to excellent use to help cities and regions that are vulnerable to climate issues. The hope it is will ensure they can make changes to improve resilience against heat, flooding, and increases in sea levels. At the same time, it will make them more sustainable.

Carbon markets

The second interesting point is the creation of carbon markets. Attendees agreed to adopt a new framework for international carbon credit. It will allow countries and cities to offset emissions. As a result, they will be able to attract investment for urban initiatives like low emission transport and green infrastructure. It will improve sustainability and climate resilience.

Climate adaptation

As we said above, there have been serious climate challenges all around the world this year. Floods, droughts, and landslides, have all had an impact, resulting in loss of life, displacement, and huge economic problems. With that in mind, COP29 is calling for more adaptations to urban areas. For example, things like permeable pavements and urban forests could have a really positive impact. Every architect in London and any other big city should keep these solutions in mind and explore how to use them effectively.

More renewable energy in urban areas

A massive challenge, and a huge contributor to the climate issue, is how much power dense urban areas consume and the emissions they generate. The estimate is they are responsible for 70% of global emissions. COP29 is pledging to triple global renewable energy generation by the end of the decade. This will include investment in new technologies to move away from fossil fuels. It will also involve retrofitting old buildings to use renewables.

Innovations

COP29 was also a great showcase for emerging technologies. Numerous innovations would be really beneficial for cities and their fight to improve climate resilience. For example, there were materials, low carbon construction methods, digital monitoring systems, and many other new tools.

Talk to a top architect in London

The main points from COP29 mean we could see some very exciting times ahead for urban planners, architecture, construction companies, and other stakeholders. What we need now is local initiatives to start improving cities and urban areas. It will also be interesting to see how much progress there is between now and the COP30 event in Brazil in November 2025.

If you are planning a project and want an input from a leading architect in London, we would love to help. We can consider all kinds of crucial things, including use of renewables as well as the need to design with resilience in mind. We can help with any project, from homes and housing to commercial and public buildings.

So, get in touch today and see what we can achieve together.