2024 was tumultuous. Cities saw record-breaking temperatures, a sharp uptick in climate-related disasters, violent conflict in too many places, and contentious elections that shifted local, national and regional politics.

But amidst the tumult, cities centered themselves as global leaders in forging a path forward for people and the planet. From safer streets, new ways of getting around, nature-based solutions and cleaner air to shaping the next round of national climate commitments, cities are creating change from the bottom up.

This year’s most-read posts on TheCityFix illustrate how cities are implementing innovative and sustainable solutions that not only increase efficiency and resilience, but equity and accessibility.

From Kampala to Porto Alegre, our network of guest contributors and WRI experts explored inspiring solutions to the most pressing urban challenges. Below, find our most-read posts from 2024:           

1. How ‘Complete Streets’ Are Creating Safer, More Sustainable Cities in Brazil, by Bruno Batista, Reynaldo Mello Neto and Fernando Correa
2. Ramping Up Use of Electric Vehicles Across Africa, by Japheth Kipkirui and Amos Mwangi
3. No Safe Journeys for Women: Why Mobility Systems in African Cities Are Failing Women’s Needs, by Esthelyne Dusabe and Tu-Tho Thai
4. Re-Thinking Street Design with a Gender Lens: Lessons from a Street Experiment in Istanbul, by Imge Akcakaya Waite, Arzu Erturan, Hanna Balik, Bahadir Kesan and Eda Beyazit
5. Is Your Commute Harming Your Health?, by Nikita Luke
6. Urban Practitioners Invited To Help Scope IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, by Pourya Salehi, Ariel Dekovic, Yunus Arikan and Maryke van Staden
7. Despite Volatility, Micromobility Thrives in European Cities, by Lydia Freehafer
8. 6 Elements to Make Streets #SaferByDesign, by Chetan Sodaye, Harshitha Mruthyunjaya and Krishna Priya Poroori
9. As Water Shortages Plague Bogotá and Other Cities, Nature-Based Solutions Can Help, by Sadof Alexander and Laura Bulbena Janer
10. Zero-Emission Zones Are Helping Some Cities Fight Pollution, by Lulu Xue and Ke Chen

We are very grateful to the more than 130 authors who contributed to TheCityFix in 2024. Thank you for reading and writing. Here’s to building even more momentum for people, nature and climate in 2025.

Taylor Symes is Communications Specialist at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.

Schuyler Null is Senior Communications Manager at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.