As cities and local governments navigate the complexities of socioeconomic priorities, the urgency of climate action and sustainability initiatives becomes increasingly prominent. Despite the critical need for advanced data and AI to inform these efforts, most investments in AI and digital infrastructure have traditionally favored the private sector, particularly through venture capital. This trend leaves a significant void in equipping city governments, especially those in the Global South, with the advanced technologies needed for effective climate action planning and implementation.
This session aims to shed light on the transformative potential of philanthropy and impact investing in catalyzing the development and deployment of open-source technology solutions for governments. We’ll explore the current challenges cities face in building comprehensive GHG inventories and establishing investable climate portfolios within public infrastructure. These tools are not only crucial for prioritizing and monitoring climate actions but also for advancing blended finance opportunities that attract private sector investment in net-zero transitions.
Highlighting the role of geospatial data, AI, and digital infrastructure, we’ll discuss how leveraging these technologies, in conjunction with enhanced coordination, can streamline city-level climate action. Moreover, as the Sustainability and ESG disclosure landscape shifts towards mandatory reporting with evolving standards like IFRS and EFRAG, there’s a burgeoning opportunity for cities to utilize corporate data in their climate action strategies.
This interactive session will convene voices from philanthropy, impact investing, and open technology organizations to explore the intersection of emerging technologies and mandatory corporate disclosure. We’ll delve into how these elements collectively accelerate climate action at the subnational government level, offering insights into successful implementation strategies, the reduction of technical burdens, and the amplification of impact through informed decision-making.
Join us as we navigate the pathways through which innovative financing and technology can empower cities to lead in the global climate action agenda, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future.
