Call for Papers: Reimagining Net-Zero Cities in Asia and the Pacific Exploring the Role of the Private Sector, Institutions, Governments, and Communities
Cities are responsible for over 70% of global carbon emissions and are pivotal in addressing climate change. With urban populations expected to double by 2050, achieving net-zero emissions in cities is essential. This will require collaboration among the private sector, urban planners, governments, and local communities.
This project aims to gather innovative case studies from cities in Asia and the Pacific, focusing on their efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. These case studies will be considered for publication as chapters in an ADBI book. We seek to answer: What actions, policies, and frameworks are essential for cities to meet their net-zero targets? The project will explore how cities are shaping incentives, policies, and partnerships to achieve this goal, providing valuable lessons for policy makers and practitioners.
Key themes include engaging the private sector, developing integrated planning and governance tools, involving local communities, and creating institutional frameworks. The goal is to provide practical insights and policy recommendations for building ecosystems that support net-zero transitions.
We invite case studies from cities that are implementing or on track to implement net-zero strategies, focusing on the following thematic areas.
Thematic Pillars
1. Private Sector Involvement
Key questions:
- How can private companies collaborate with local governments and communities on net-zero initiatives?
- What are the key challenges for the private sector in scaling net-zero solutions in urban areas?
- How are smart technologies integrated into utility infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions?
- How can utility companies optimize resources and support a circular economy in cities?
2. Integrated Planning and Governance
Key questions:
- How can city planning processes and policymaking be better integrated to enable coordinated approaches to net-zero transitions?
- What regulatory reforms and incentive structures are most effective in driving private sector investment in sustainable urban infrastructure?
- How can cities ensure equitable access to green technologies and services across socioeconomic groups?
- What strategies can facilitate the transition of public and private transport fleets to low or zero-emission vehicles while ensuring adequate infrastructure to support these changes?
3. Role of Institutions
Key questions:
- What tools and technologies are needed to support net-zero planning and implementation?
- How can institutions align policies across sectors like energy, transport, and waste management to support net-zero goals?
- What funding mechanisms, such as grants or public-private partnerships, are most effective in supporting net-zero initiatives?
- How can universities and institutions upskill the urban workforce for net-zero transitions?
4. Community Engagement
Key questions:
- How can cities better engage and empower local communities in net-zero initiatives?
- What are the most successful models of community-led renewable energy and climate resilience projects?
- How can cities overcome barriers to greater community involvement in urban sustainability efforts?
- How can public transport systems be enhanced to increase ridership and reduce reliance on personal vehicles?
Submission Guidelines
We welcome case studies that address one or more of the abovementioned themes in the context of specific cities or regions. The case studies should conclude with clear policy recommendations. Proposals for purely conceptual or theoretical studies will not be considered.
Expected Outcomes
The book is expected to be:
- Published as an edited volume by ADBI
- Accompanied by a webinar/book launch with contributing authors
- Supported by a masterclass for policy makers and researchers at the Asian Real Estate Society (AsRES) 2025 conference in Melbourne (9 July 2025).
- Converted into an ADBI E-Learning module for broader dissemination for broader dissemination
Key Dates
- Call for extended abstracts (1,000 words): 24 December 2024
- Shortlisting of abstracts: 15 January 2025
- Full paper submission: 15 February 2025
- Paper acceptance notification: 15 March 2025
- Authors’ workshop: 28/31 March 2025
- Final paper submission: 30 April 2025
Project Team
- Piyush Tiwari, Professor, University of Melbourne
- Dil Rahut, Vice-Chair of Research, ADBI
- KE Seetha Ram, Senior Consulting Specialist, Capacity Building and Training, Asian Development Bank Institute; and Visiting Professor, The University of Tokyo
- Yoshitaka Okada, Professor, The University of Tokyo
- Ranesh Nair, Independent Urban Policy Expert
- Vaishnavi Thakur, Capacity Building and Training Associate, ADBI
Contact:
Inquiries may be directed to Vaishnavi Thakur at [email protected], Asian Development Bank Institute.