A new paper highlights gaps in urban climate research and sets out a roadmap to accelerate ecological transitions. Its insights will help shape the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and drive a new era of data and community-driven multilevel climate governance.

As global Plastics Treaty negotiations failed to reach consensus, cities and regions cannot wait. Read four takeaways to guide local action against the plastic waste piling up daily in cities.

Once a parking lot and dumping ground, Chennai’s first wetland sponge park is leading the way for a climate-resilient city. Today, it functions as a natural water treatment system to manage stormwater and prevent floods, proving the power of nature-based solutions in shaping sustainable, thriving communities.

Recognizing youth as powerful drivers of change, local and regional governments are creating meaningful spaces for their voices, leadership, and ideas. This International Youth Day, discover how ICLEI Members are actively involving young people in shaping inclusive and impactful climate action.

As countries race to finalize a global plastics treaty by the end of 2025, a critical round of negotiations is underway in Geneva, Switzerland. From production limits to toxic chemical bans, what’s on the table and why must cities have a seat at it?

With only 27 new NDCs submitted by June 2025, covering just 21% of global emissions, are governments actually delivering on that promise?

As national governments are preparing their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions, their success depends heavily on actions taken at the local level.

As cities face extreme weather events and growing inequality, nature-based solutions (NbS) can boost biodiversity, manage risks, and improve urban life. But financing remains the biggest hurdle. Turning ideas into action means rethinking how we plan, value, and invest in nature.

Local and regional governments are paying attention to the multilateral oceans agenda because of the myriad ways life in coastal cities, towns and regions depends on the health and sustainability of our oceans.

Under the umbrella of Daring Cities 2025 Bonn Dialogues, this event highlighted the importance of partnerships to deliver not just ambitious plans, but real climate action for a thriving future.

Mostly not. And that's an issue, since one of the drivers of success for COP30 could be how well the NDCs 3.0 reflect and enable climate action in cities.

Born from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, these three multilateral environmental agreements have shaped how the international community approaches global environmental challenges.

What if your coffee cup or takeout container didn’t end up in the trash, but went back into circulation, reducing waste, cutting emissions, and sparking local innovation and green jobs? Explore lessons from the Circular City Labs project.

Town Hall COPs are redefining what inclusive, multilevel climate governance looks like on the road to COP30.

Feeling the heat? So are our cities, and they’re taking action. On Heat Action Day, we spotlight how local and regional governments are rising to the challenge through people-centered solutions to beat the heat.

The Kaohsiung–ICLEI Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Community of Practice delivered its first in-person capacity-building workshop series, providing strategic tools to advance urban transformation through circular development and agenda-serving innovation.

As Türkiye braces for another summer of heatwaves and unpredictable storms, spaces like the Kadifekale community garden offer a green space that is not only public, but participatory.

Urban growth is shrinking natural habitats, but cities also hold the key to reversing biodiversity loss. As epicenters of change, local governments have the power to turn the tide. Here are 10 reasons why they should act now.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea, has implemented a comprehensive set of ambitious initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a particular focus on transportation and building efficiency.

The launch of the LGMA National Coordination Group in Brasília marks a major milestone for climate federalism and multilevel governance in Brazil. Co-organized by ICLEI, the group brings together national ministries, local leaders, and civil society to ensure subnational voices help shape Brazil’s role at COP30.

Looking ahead to COP30, what cities and regions do in advance of this global climate summit may matter more than the conference itself. On the road to Belém, local and regional governments have a unique opportunity to engage with their national governments, shift the trajectory of the climate emergency, and push for inclusive, multilevel climate action.

Who owns the land, and who gets to decide how it’s used? These questions are not just about property—they are about power, rights, and justice. Explore the vital connections between urban and rural areas and the role of gender justice in sustainable land management. 

During the ICLEI World Congress 2024 closing plenary on 21 June, Katja Dörner, Mayor of Bonn, Germany, and chair of the Climate Action Governance Portfolio for the ICLEI Global Executive Committee, called on urban leaders to proactively engage with their national governments and local government associations to enhance NDCs by 2025 and support CHAMP. National associations of local governments – under the leadership of ICLEI governance Members - in Germany, Brazil, and the U.S. have pledged to CHAMP, pioneering a global movement to push for stronger local involvement in national climate plans.

This piece was written by Anna Aaen, Deputy Mayor, City of Aalborg, Denmark, following the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial hosted by the city of Elsinore on 21-22 March 2024. It is a wonderful feeling to leave a meeting filled with energy and motivation. And it is even better when the meeting’s agenda is both significant and challenging – namely, global climate action at the local level.

Amazonian cities are diverse in opportunities and needs. The region’s biodiversity is amongst the world’s most important but its cities’ sustainability challenges are less well-known. These jurisdictions require financial support and capacity building to create sustainable, conservation-oriented, equitable, nature-based spaces with circular development. At the ICLEI World Congress, mayors from this region convened to amplify the voices of these unique cities.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nature in urban environments, providing solace and a sense of well-being during lockdowns. At the ICLEI World Congress, local and subnational governments, alongside WHO experts and NGOs, discussed the potential of Nature-based Solutions to address biodiversity loss and climate change while enhancing urban health.

In a world increasingly shaped by the climate emergency, cities are stepping into the forefront of resilience and sustainability efforts. During the ICLEI World Congress’ plenary “Our Changing World,” ICLEI Members and experts discussed how cities can leverage local initiatives to drive global impact, emphasizing the urgency of integrated approaches to mitigate environmental risks and build climate-resilient communities worldwide.

Integrating equity into climate mitigation is essential for creating sustainable cities that serve all residents, particularly marginalized communities. Initiatives like the INCLU:DE project and the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive and Equitable Communities exemplify successful strategies, promoting inclusive planning, inner-city collaboration, and equity-based methodologies.

Urban areas can restore ecosystems and improve residents' well-being. Cities like São Paulo, Puducherry, and Austin showcased innovative strategies for urban resilience and economic growth, proving that systemic change for a sustainable future is possible.

To truly harness youth leadership, local and regional governments must go beyond consultation, co-creating processes where young people set agendas, influence decisions, and hold institutions accountable.

Climate migration is no longer a future threat: It’s a present-day reality, with cities on the frontline of response. From building resilient, inclusive infrastructure to shifting public narratives and planning ahead, local governments have a critical role to play.

This guest op-ed article argues that youth participation in urban governance must move beyond symbolism to real power, especially in the Global South.

How can we ensure tourism not only thrives but also helps protect our planet?

By leveraging simulation, play, and interactivity to generate learning outcomes, serious games have been used in various sectors, including healthcare, military, and policymaking.

Amidst slow national progress in the sustainable energy transition with RE sources, Gyeonggi-do stands out as a proactive subnational leader.