Urenio Watch Watch: Cities

Climate Change and Inequality Projects: Finalists of 2020-2021 WRI Ross Center Prize

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities announced five projects as finalists for the 2020-2021 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities. The selected projects show how cities can address both climate change and inequality together.  The center received 262 submissions from 160 cities and 54 countries. The five finalists are initiatives from Rosario, Argentina; Ahmedabad, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Monterrey Mexico; and London, UK.

From curbing transport emissions to urban agriculture and flood protection in slums, each of the finalists takes a different approach. The final winer will be selected by the jury on 26th of March 2021 and be announced in May 2021. The selected project will receive a grand prize of $250,000, while the four runners-up will each receive $25,000.

According to the institute, all projects show that cities can be more sustainable and more productive for more residents through empowering, participatory and climate-smart changes. These types of innovations are more important than ever, as cities are a crucial building block in an inclusive, resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities is the premier global award celebrating and spotlighting transformative urban change. Through the Prize, WRI seeks to inspire urban change-makers across the globe by elevating trailblazing initiatives and telling impactful stories of sustainable urban transformation.

The five finalists are:

DistritoTec, Monterrey, Mexico

Born out of a period of violence and social strife, DistritoTec is helping to bring Monterrey back together again through a new approach to district-level urban design that encourages compact, livable growth for a low-emissions future.

Kibera Public Space Project, Nairobi, Kenya

In one of the world’ s largest slums, the Kibera Public Space Project (KPSP) is co-creating innovative spaces with residents that not only reduce flood risk but provide essential services, like water and sanitation, and new ways for businesses to thrive.

Sustainable Food Production for a Resilient Rosario, Rosario, Argentina

Initially launched in the wake of the Argentinian economic crisis of 2001, Rosario’ s flagship urban agriculture program has evolved to become a cornerstone of the city’ s response to increased flooding and heat events.

Ultra Low Emission Zone, London, United Kingdom

Combined with complimentary policies on public transport and other mobility options, London’ s Ultra Low Emission Zone is helping to shift residents towards low-emissions travel and address longstanding inequities in exposure to air pollution.

Women’ s Action Towards Climate Resilience for the Urban Poor, Ahmedabad, India

A longstanding development partner in Ahmedabad’ s slums, the Mahila Housing Trust is empowering women with tools and training to become community climate leaders and address their communities’ unique climate risks.

 

You can find more information here.