Huseynov: Climate change, environmental degradation no longer distant risks

Climate change and environmental degradation are no longer distant risks, Huseyn Huseynov, Advisor to the Minister of Economy, said at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

Huseynov stated that these are structural realities increasingly affecting economic growth, social welfare, infrastructure, productivity, public health, and long-term development achievements: "Figures clearly show this. Today, 58.5% of the world's population lives in cities, and this figure is projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050."

He emphasized that cities are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 75% of energy consumption: "Between 1970 and 2021, economic losses from extreme weather and climate events reached $4.3 trillion, and this number continues to grow. Pressure on cities and infrastructure will only intensify."

The official stressed that sustainable development must equally focus on three pillars: economic resilience, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability: "These dimensions reinforce each other, and cities are becoming the main actors of climate resilience and sustainable transformation."