31 cities commit to green infrastructure targets

Thirty-one mayors have signed the C40 Cities Urban Nature Declaration, pledging to invest in green spaces to improve air quality and bolster protection against climate impacts such as extreme heat, flooding and drought.

The signatory cities, which include Athens, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo, have committed to deliver on one or both of two key targets. By 2030, 30 – 40 percent of city surface area should consist of green or blue infrastructure. This includes street trees, urban forests and parks, as well as sustainable urban drainage systems and permeable pavements. With a focus on equitable distribution, the Declaration sets a target for 70 percent of a city's population to h...