Cities are engines of innovation and growth. In 2015, they were associated with 85% of the global GDP, and they will contribute 87% of the global GDP in 2030. However, according to the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate Working Paper on “Accelerating Low-Carbon Development in the World’s Cities” (2015), they are also responsible for 67–76% of the global energy use and for 71–76% of global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which play a decisive role in climate change. 
These figures show that there is a close connection between urban sustainability and carbon neutrality. In other words: without low-carbon transitions worldwide, we will not be able to achieve urban sustainability. City leaders are challenged with initiating and organizing rapid transition processes, including finance.
On this background, the keynote presentation at the 10th International Conference on Energy, Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (ERESD 2024), looks at ways to reach urban carbon neutrality from a global perspective. It consists of three parts. 
First, it demonstrates that carbon neutrality is an important goal in many cities worldwide. Second, it looks at good practice examples from different countries. Urban growth and regeneration examples will be discussed, and innovation potentials will be scrutinized. Third, it draws conclusions regarding the need and ways to accelerate urban low-carbon transitions. 
The presentation opens a discussion about the relationship between sustainable urban and regional development, climate change and carbon neutrality. This relates closely with issues of technology, finance, human behavior and societal learning. Moreover, it sheds light on the discussion about developing and successfully implementing comprehensive approaches of urban planning and development.

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