Asia Pacific‘s leading platform for sustainable development
11. Sustainable cities and communities
More than half of the world’s population now live in urban areas. By 2050, that figure will have risen to 6.5 billion people – two-thirds of all humanity. Extreme poverty is often concentrated in urban spaces, and national and city governments struggle to accommodate the rising population in these areas. Making cities safe and sustainable means ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and upgrading slum settlements. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.
Read our stories to learn more about SDG Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities is supported by ABB
News
Carbon & Climate
Australian insurers declare catastrophe as Victoria bushfire losses mount, climate risks intensify
Claims surge as insurers warn extreme fires highlight escalating climate risk. More than 400,000 hectares of bushland and farmland have burned – more than five times the size of Singapore.
Carbon & Climate
Why developing countries oppose the EU’s carbon border tax
As the EU's carbon border tax takes effect in 2026, developing countries warn it could shift climate costs onto poorer exporters.
The Philippines’ ambition to become a data centre hub is running up against high electricity prices and a coal-heavy grid.
The initiative supports the federal government’s plans to modernise public transport, lower carbon emissions and advance greener mobility efforts at the state level.
Opinion
Carbon & Climate
China’s five green economy challenges in 2026
Addressing energy wastage and taming manufacturing overcapacity are among the domestic issues that China must address as it strives to meet its climate goals.
Food & Agriculture
Changing diets amid a changing climate
Much attention has been paid to switching from meat-based diets to plant-based ones. Less attention has been paid to the effects of climate change on the quality and quantity of plant foods.
Policy & Finance
Is Malaysia heading towards an uninsurability crisis?
A growing tranche of real estate assets is at increasing risk of climate-related physical damage, but these risks cannot simply be priced or insured away.
At 2°C warming, US$1.2 trillion a year is needed to protect everyone exposed to climate hazards. That may sound expensive, but the benefits of this adaptation would exceed the cost by roughly seven times.
Food & Agriculture
War and weather show how fragile food systems are - we must act
Carbon & Climate
How insurance can transform our resilience to climate shocks
Carbon & Climate
‘They invite us to speak, but not to decide’
Videos
Carbon & Climate
More forest protection and financing needed in 13th Malaysia Plan, say environmental groups
NGOs urged the government to improve forest data transparency by making maps of protected areas publicly available, and to channel funds to frontline communities living near forests.
Policy & Finance
Simplifying sustainability reporting for SMEs
EB Studio
As Malaysia forges ahead with its 2050 net zero climate ambition, businesses must reshape their supply chains for a low carbon future. This Eco-Business video looks at how SMEs can adapt to new sustainability reporting requirements.
Policy & Finance
Navigating uncertainty: AIA’s long-term bet on sustainable investing
In this wide-ranging fireside chat moderated by Eco-Business CEO Jessica Cheam, AIA Group's chief investment officer Dr Mark Konyn asserts there is “no U-turn” among corporates invested for the long term, even as political regimes change amid a new world order.
There is consensus that coal needs to be retired early in Asia, but the mechanisms for financing the phase-out are not clear. This mini-documentary examines how transition credits work and whether they can fund Southeast Asia's equitable switch to clean power.
Podcasts
Carbon & Climate
Jeffrey Sachs: China is unequivocally the world’s climate power today. Asean’s opportunity is next.
Exclusive
The economist and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network told the Eco-Business Podcast how China’s green industrial and financial capabilities can help accelerate Southeast Asia's transition to net zero.
The head of waste management non-profit Ocean Recovery Alliance tells the EB Podcast that recycled content mandates will drive the circular economy better than caps on virgin plastic production. Brands should be pressured more than petrochemical producers to phase out unnecessary plastics, he says.
Green Buildings
Are our climate targets too weak or too ambitious? Hang Lung Properties’ sustainability chief John Haffner
Having "stretch targets" can spur innovation, says the sustainability chief for one of Hong Kong's largest real estate firms in the latest episode of "On the frontlines". He also shares why the firm has chosen to publish the draft of its net zero plan for open discussion of its climate targets.
A new report predicts Hong Kong could lose one quarter of its wildlife to new developments. WWF Hong Kong conservation head Dr Bosco Chan and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden's Dr Stephan Gale tell the EB Podcast that developers must build in ways that protect nature and bolster climate resilience.
