24-Hour Cities Against Climate Change nighttime strategies to address the challenges of climate crisis

Our warming world affects every aspect of our lives, particularly in cities, where hotter temperatures and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Planning cities for nighttime can provide solutions for climate adaptation and resilience, enhancing the quality of life for urban residents.

Nighttime policies and governance strategies are not only fostering social cohesion and economic development but also promoting wider use of public spaces and green areas. This event will explore various policies and initiatives from cities worldwide, demonstrating how urban nocturnal strategies can improve climate resilience and foster urban vibrancy.

The event will discuss how nighttime activities contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration among public authorities, private actors, and local communities. It will highlight how the nighttime economy can reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices, with many events and festivals adopting stricter environmental standards. Arts and culture, often active at night, play a crucial role in climate action. Nighttime urban activities can be key factors in climate resilience and adaptation, providing solutions to extreme heat and enhancing urban residents' quality of life.

The event aims to showcase good practices from cities around the world, provide policy guidance, and foster new frameworks for sustainable nighttime policies. Discussions will involve elected representatives, experts, practitioners, and academics, focusing on nighttime contributions to SDG implementation.

The event underscores the importance of planning for nighttime urbanism in developing inclusive and equitable approaches to economic development and urban space. Nighttime urbanism is crucial for a sustainable urban future, yet often overlooked. The event, in partnership with VibeLab, Efus, and UN-Habitat Safer Cities, extends the theme beyond safety to include climate resilience and a broader network of actors. It aligns with multiple WUF12 Dialogues and SDGs, emphasizing health, gender equality, sustainable resource usage, urban mobility, public space, community participation, and cross-sector partnerships.