I4C project leader joins global experts shaping climate-resilient cities

Stefan Sobolowski was selected from among 1,200 nominees worldwide to contribute his expertise to the IPCCs Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. 

We are proud to announce that I4C Principal Investigator Stefan Sobolowski has been selected as one of 87 lead authors for the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. This report will consolidate global insights on cities’ crucial role in climate action, offering practical guidance to policymakers, urban planners and stakeholders driving emissions reduction and climate adaptation.

We caught up with Stefan to discuss the news, his expectations and areas for overlap and insight with I4C.

First things first, how are you feeling?

“I am honoured and excited to be selected as a Lead Author for the upcoming IPCC special report on Climate Change and Cities. I am also a bit apprehensive as the role as lead author is a big responsibility and I want to do my best. I fully expect the experience to be as challenging as it is rewarding.”

You’ll be contributing to the chapter on cities tackling climate change. What do you see as the main trends, challenges, opportunities?

“With over half of the world’s population living in urban areas, cities and their environs have an outsized role to play in addressing challenges arising from climate change. We must move with intention to ensure that they are resilient, equitable and sustainable for future generations.”

“In I4C, we notice that challenges are multifaceted and cannot be addressed simply through higher resolution modelling or ‘better’ data. Progress truly requires careful distillation of climate information with practitioners to ensure that ‘actionable’ is more than a buzzword.“

How do you see your role as IPCC Lead Author complementing your role in I4C?

“I am looking forward applying the lessons learned in I4C to the IPCC process and to meeting and learning from colleagues from around the world. It is especially encouraging to see that over 55% of the authors are from developing countries and economies in transition. There is a real opportunity for the emerging cities of the 21st century to chart a sustainable, vibrant and inclusive course.”

Find out more

The special report, which will be completed in 2027, will address how cities can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and how they must prepare to handle climate change. 

Read the full press release by Tori Pedersen of the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research.