Climate change, and often the responses to it, are unfair. People who are socially, economically, culturally, politically, institutionally or otherwise marginalised are especially vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, these communities cannot always access the benefits of climate action.

If addressing climate change does not meet the needs of city residents, mayors and governments risk losing permission to act.

Kathryn Goldman, Climate Adviser, Sustainability, Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles, offered an in-depth presentation of Los Angeles' Green New Deal, an ambitious climate action plan aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This new plan builds on the Sustainable City pLAn presented in 2015 by Mayor Eric Garcetti, seeking to further accelerate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the creation of green jobs and improve air quality and public health.

This presentation focuses on the wider social, environmental and economic benefits of L.A.'s pLAn, and showcases various initiatives that helped improve equity while addressing climate resilience and mitigation in the city.