If we lived on a planet as big as a garden, we would notice its trees stunting, its flowers wilting, its water drying and its life decaying. The science is undeniable: Our collective hedonistic choices are causing cataclysmic climate events that we see unfolding all over the world. As cities across the Global South brace for rapid urbanisation, the challenges of socio-economic disparities, climate vulnerability, and resource management grow ever more pressing. By 2050, nearly 90% of the world’s urban population will reside in these regions. Addressing this unprecedented urban transformation demands a paradigm shift in planning, governance, and climate action.

Cities in the Global South are growing at an unparalleled pace, driven by migration and economic shifts. This rapid growth widens the ‘urban services divide’, with nearly 30% of urban residents living in informal settlements. In Mumbai’s Dharavi, a self-organised ecosystem thrives — 65 million Indians drive grassroots innovation, with its $1-billion recycling economy repurposing 80% of the city’s waste. These communities demand inclusive planning integrating them into the formal urban fabric rather than erasing them.

The informal sector also dominates employment, accounting for up to 80% of jobs in some regions. Recognising and supporting these dynamics is crucial to creating equitable urban economies. Public-private partnerships and community-led initiatives, like Medellín’s cable cars transforming hillside slums into connected neighbourhoods, offer scalable models for other cities.

The demographic surge also increases demand for housing and transportation. Governments........

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