Housing at the Nexus of Climate Action and Urban Realities, Says UN-Habitat Expert

Housing stands at the critical junction between climate goals and everyday urban challenges, making it a focal point for climate action and social equity, according to Lea Ranalder of UN-Habitat. She emphasized that housing embodies not only where climate risks are most directly experienced but also where large-scale solutions can be applied effectively.

During the session “Decarbonizing housing and buildings at the City-Industry-Climate Nexus” at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Ranalder underscored the need to address both existing and new housing stock, especially those falling below basic standards. With over one billion people living in informal settlements globally, the intersection of the housing and climate crises presents a unique opportunity to design interventions that benefit vulnerable communities while advancing sustainability.

UN-Habitat’s representative pointed out that tackling substandard housing is vital to the broader urban climate agenda. Informal settlements often lack resilience to climate impacts, amplifying social disparities and environmental risks. Integrating climate measures into housing policies, she noted, can produce multifaceted benefits, helping cities become safer, more inclusive, and adaptable to future challenges.

The WUF13 conference, drawing more than 40,000 participants from around the world, gathers governments, civil society, and urban experts to promote sustainable development under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.” The forum has featured discussions on urban prosperity, resilience, AI in urban governance, green urbanization, and social equity since its opening.

Alongside sessions on the global housing crisis and urban policy, notable events include the Leaders’ Summit, ministerial meetings, and the opening of the Mexico City pavilion, which aims to bolster ties with Latin America ahead of WUF14. The diverse program highlights the complexity and urgency of making housing a central pillar of climate strategies and urban well-being worldwide.