FAO panel discussion: Forests and sustainable cities

Cities are home to over half of the global population, producing approximately 75 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, six billion people will live in cities. Hence, increasing levels of urbanisation across the globe place immense pressures on the environment and human well-being.

Green areas in cities, be it forests, parks, building gardens/vertical gardens (gardens that are part of the high rise building) or  urban farms, will become more important to tackle urban challenges. Forests also provide wood, which serves as an excellent renewable building material.

To celebrate this year’s International Day of Forests, and a panel discussion will gather eminent speakers presenting innovative ideas on urban farming, the integration of trees in buildings, wood construction and architecture, showing that technology and ingenuity have no limits.

The event is jointly organized by the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section and the UNECE Housing and Land Management Unit, together with the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva.