Net Zero Transition and Climate Adaptation: ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded a scoping meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 5 December 2025. This session gathered over 100 global experts to define the structure of the upcoming Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. As a core component of the Seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7), this report represents the most comprehensive scientific effort to evaluate urban climate risks and solutions. The meeting marks the start of a multi-year process to provide cities with actionable climate science.
The scoping experts focused on identifying the most pressing knowledge gaps in urban climate resilience and mitigation. During the four-day event, participants drafted an outline that addresses how rapid urbanization intersects with worsening extreme weather. The proposed structure covers critical themes such as infrastructure durability, social equity, and governance frameworks. This foundational outline ensures that the final document will serve as a practical guide for mayors and national governments alike.
Chronologically, the IPCC will present this draft outline for approval by the Panel during its next session in early 2026. Following this approval, the organization will issue a global call for author nominations to begin the intensive drafting stage. The final version of the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities is currently scheduled for release in early 2027. This timeline is designed to influence municipal planning for the 2030 climate targets and the next round of national contributions.
Cities currently account for approximately 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and house more than half of the world’s population. Consequently, the report will place a heavy emphasis on decarbonizing urban energy systems, transportation, and building stocks. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, such as urban forests and wetlands, in cooling and warming city centers. These strategies are essential for reducing the urban heat island effect and managing stormwater runoff.
The IPCC experts also highlighted the critical need for inclusive climate action within densely populated urban areas. The draft outline specifically includes sections on the vulnerabilities of informal settlements and the necessity of climate justice. By addressing the funding gap for adaptation in the Global South, the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities aims to provide a balanced global perspective. This approach ensures that technical solutions do not leave marginalized communities behind during the transition.
Implementing bodies such as the UN-Habitat and various international city networks are expected to use these findings to update global urban standards. The report intends to provide the evidentiary base required to unlock large-scale climate finance for municipal projects. By focusing exclusively on the urban context, the IPCC acknowledges that the success of the Paris Agreement depends largely on city-level execution. This report will be a cornerstone for urban policy throughout the late 2020s.
Strategic significance lies in the establishment of a rigorous, scientifically backed roadmap that will likely define future building codes and municipal investment priorities. For businesses, the report provides a vital risk-mapping tool for urban supply chains and real estate portfolios. Policymakers will be able to use the findings to justify the significant capital expenditure needed for coastal protection and zero-carbon infrastructure. Ultimately, this report will align municipal economic goals with long-term climate stability, transforming how cities prepare for a volatile future.
Image Credit: Firstpost
