More than 100 scientists from 56 countries are meeting from 3 to 7 August 2026 in Bhopal for the fourth lead-author meeting of the IPCC special report on climate and cities. The event is hosted by the Indian Institute of Forest Management. The work focuses on aligning chapters, integrating regional case studies and producing precise, practice-oriented recommendations for decision-makers.
Why a separate cities report
Cities shape emissions and are also disproportionately exposed to climate risks. The special report consolidates evidence on urban risks, on mitigation and adaptation strategies, and on urban planning and governance to provide policy- and practice-relevant knowledge.
Focus areas in Bhopal
– Integrated strategies: Measures that reduce emissions while increasing resilience, including energy-efficient buildings, low-emission mobility and green infrastructure to reduce urban heat islands and buffer extreme rainfall. – Social justice: Inclusive climate policies that account for fragmented urban structures and avoid further burdening vulnerable groups, for example residents of informal settlements. – Governance and financing: Better coordination across levels of government, fit-for-purpose financing instruments and embedding urban measures in national climate objectives; municipalities as early implementers. – Technical and nature-based solutions: Electrified local transport, efficient heating and cooling systems, decentralized energy systems, urban green belts and renatured rivers; consideration of interactions and co-benefits such as cooling, biodiversity and rainwater retention.
Regional perspectives
The international participation reflects the diversity of urban contexts. Experiences from fast-growing cities — including those in India — feed into the report so that options for megacities, mid-sized cities and informal settlements are considered alike.
Scientific approach and usefulness
Author teams are synthesizing meta-analyses, local case studies, model scenarios and socio-economic assessments. The aim is a balanced text that makes uncertainties transparent, prioritizes measures, weighs costs and benefits and identifies barriers to implementation.
Implementation and scaling
Many cities face practical hurdles: limited budgets, fragmented responsibilities, insufficient capacities and insecure land tenure. There are also trade-offs, for instance between short-term housing provision and long-term climate adaptation. The report addresses these tensions and outlines pathways to scale up successful approaches.
Significance and outlook
The meeting links global research with local practical knowledge and strengthens the translation of scientific findings into concrete urban policy. After chapter alignment, the IPCC process typically proceeds with multi-stage review rounds by peers and governments. The Bhopal meeting is a key milestone along this path.