Urban Climate Policy on the Global Stage- Rio in the G20

This Capstone project provided strategic recommendations for Rio de Janeiro to capitalize on hosting the G20 Summit in November 2024 to elevate its role in global urban climate policy. Conducted by seven students from the prestigious Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, the project leveraged extensive stakeholder interviews and a comprehensive literature review to identify and address key challenges.

The analysis pinpointed major hurdles: economic constraints marked by funding shortages and limited investment opportunities; technological disparities between developed and developing regions; social obstacles including insufficient climate education and public engagement; and administrative inefficiencies in policy implementation and coordination. Addressing these issues is critical for Rio to enhance its visibility, rebrand as a sustainable investment destination, and forge a lasting legacy of urban sustainability. Recommendations included leveraging the U20 to amplify Rio's international presence, repositioning the city as a climate-resilient investment hub, and establishing a legacy of sustainable practices post-G20 Summit. The project suggested developing a climate tech ecosystem to attract investments and implementing comprehensive policy reforms to improve urban resilience and economic attractiveness. This initiative was designed to prompt action before, during, and after the G20 Summit, aiming for a sustainable impact that aligns Rio’s development with global climate goals. It reflects a pivotal opportunity for Rio to lead in urban climate policy on the world stage, fostering economic development, environmental benefits, and societal wellbeing.