By 2050, the United Nations expects the percentage of the global population residing in cities to increase from 55 to 68 percent.

Already, up to 70 percent of the food produced worldwide is consumed in urban areas, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). And cities are responsible for approximately 70 percent of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is really important for us to remember that cities can make a difference,” says Anna Scavuzzo, Vice Mayor of Milan. “The sum of our efforts can contribute to achieve local and global goals at the same time.”

To support urban food systems, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP)—an  international agreement of mayors aimed at tackling food issues at the city level—was introduced in 2015. Bringing together more than 210 cities worldwide, it represents a working tool to help build sustainable urban food systems that are inclusive, safe, and diverse.

The cities that have signed on to the MUFPP are home to projects working to better food production, improve social and economic equity, make diets more sustainable and nutritious, and reduce food waste. Food Tank is highlighting a handful of these projects representing the diversity of solutions around the world.

Read the full article about urban food resilience by Elena Seeley at Food Tank.