Keeping cities cool: Local solutions to the global heat challenge
As demand for cooling continues to soar, local and regional governments are looking at both technological and design solutions.
A new framework for rethinking urban climate action ahead of upcoming IPCC Special Report on Cities and Climate Change
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.
Building livable cities starts with water resilience
Water is a “blue thread” connecting human rights, the SDGs, and the three Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and land. Embedding water resilience into urban planning is not optional; it is essential for climate-smart, inclusive, and livable cities, and local and regional governments are already delivering. Explore how we are supporting them to step up to the challenge and scale their impact.
The role of Youth Councils in Brazilian local governance and how cities can unlock their potential
This guest op-ed article explores how Youth Councils in Brazil are consolidating themselves as powerful tools for shared governance, co-creation, and accountability in the face of the climate crisis. How can cities unlock their potential to deliver true intergenerational climate justice?
Three ways youth are influencing local food systems
International Youth Day – on 12 August – is a chance to reflect on how youth are advancing multilateral cooperation through technology and partnerships. In particular, we will look at the example of the AfriFOODlinks Youth Ambassadors.
Toward a world free of plastic pollution?
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?
Cities stepping up to the challenge: What climate migration means for local governments
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.
What NDCs 3.0 are (and aren’t) saying about multilevel, inclusive climate action
With only 27 new NDCs submitted by June 2025, covering just 21% of global emissions, are governments actually delivering on that promise?
Can local climate dialogues really shape national climate action? The Town Hall COP Initiative is trying to prove they can
ICLEI’s Town Hall COP Initiative is emerging as a powerful model to make climate action truly locally led, transformation-oriented, and, most importantly, nationally relevant.
Chengdu hosts regional UrbanShift Academy to help cities shape climate goals
As national governments are preparing their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions, their success depends heavily on actions taken at the local level.
Four steps to finance nature-based solutions in cities
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.
Smart Seoul: How the city is cultivating a tech push through urban farming and wildfire detection
From subway-grown vegetables to instant wildfire alerts, Seoul, Republic of Korea, is making AI work in everyday life.