Urban areas are responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet the rapid expansion of cities in the coming decades presents a critical opportunity to shape low-carbon urban growth. Urban form plays a decisive role in determining emissions across sectors, influencing how cities are built, connected, and operated. Compact, well-designed urban environments can reduce transport demand, lower energy consumption, and minimize the need for carbon-intensive infrastructure, while also improving livability and resilience. However, the effectiveness of these interventions varies by context, making data and urban modeling essential tools to guide decision-making and maximize impact.

Key pathways through which urban form influences emissions include:

• Density and compact development: Reduces transport-related emissions, infrastructure needs, and building energy use
• Mixed land use and connectivity: Shortens travel distances and encourages walking, cycling, and public transport
• Low-carbon and nature-based infrastructure: Limits embodied emissions by reducing reliance on materials like cement and steel
• Climate-responsive urban design: Building orientation and material choices help mitigate urban heat island effects and reduce cooling demand