The United Nations Studies Urban Emissions Monitoring

Urban emissions researchers have been invited to speak at the UN Climate Conference in Lima. Their findings: through focused and networked monitoring, cities can make real inroads on cutting carbon.

1 minute read

December 3, 2014, 10:00 AM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


This Friday, scientists from the Megacities Carbon Project at JPL and the Hestia Project at ASU will present at the ongoing UN Climate Conference in Lima. Both efforts use an array of measurement techniques to hone in on carbon emissions from cities: how much, when, and from which sources. Their spot at the UN conference demonstrates that organization's increased focus on what individual cities are doing to rein in carbon emissions. 

While cities are often epicenters for carbon emissions, many have also emerged as leaders in sustainable policy implementation. This is despite national gridlock on environmental issues. The article by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow explains how the Hestia Project and the Megacities Carbon Project have identified city-specific areas where emissions could be curtailed. A major goal is to determine where municipal sustainability investments should be made for greatest overall effect. 

Beyond action on the city level, the researchers want to "establish a global network of cities that can develop the methodology, share data and best practices, and ultimately form a framework for slashing emissions worldwide." A unified system advising cities on emissions practices faces some significant challenges, but the researchers believe such a network might be established within a decade.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight