What cities need to unlock the net-zero transition: Lessons from the Kaohsiung-ICLEI Community of Practice
Cities consume over 70% of global energy and account for more than 60% of carbon emissions. With accelerating urbanization, cities…
How cities are moving from climate plans to real transition pathways: Insights from the Kaohsiung-ICLEI Community of Practice
As cities move from planning to implementation, their ambition around climate action is clear. For cities in the Community of Practice, the challenge now is to turn climate action plans into sustained transformation. That means moving from static plans to dynamic pathways, bridging departmental silos, improving public storytelling, and designing policies and projects that activate collaboration with the private sector.
How protecting migratory species built bridges between governments during COP15 in Brazil
The discussions showed how financing, peer learning, and cooperation across regions can help protect migratory species in the habitats and corridors they depend on.
The forest COP that never turned into the cities’ COP
“During the so-called ‘implementation COP’, the absence of commitments on issues related to urbanization is not a mere technical detail – it is a symptom of a structural gridlock in climate multilateralism. Is the game, then, already lost?” reflects Philip Yang, Special Envoy of the COP30 Presidency for Urban Solutions, in this special guest op-ed.
Belém, a model for climate leadership – from the Amazon to the world
Belém, host city of COP30, shows that protecting the Amazon means empowering its cities and people. Through its Local Climate Action Plan, nature-based solutions and a 2050 vision of climate neutrality, the city is positioning itself as a model of climate resilience and sustainability
A new chapter for climate federalism in Brazil: Lessons and legacy from the LGMA National Coordination Group for COP30
Brazil’s pioneering multilevel coordination effort is reshaping multilevel governance and collaboration at home and inspiring global pathways. From the beginning, the intention of this group was to bring climate federalism to life: National, state, and local actors aligning positions, sharing knowledge, and building a unified narrative that could travel from the streets of Brazilian cities to the negotiation rooms of the UNFCCC.
From local priorities to youth inclusive NDCs: What should COP30 deliver for youth?
17-18 November are COP30’s days to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, with a spotlight on youth. For young people – and particularly YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency within the UNFCCC process – COP30 is an opportunity to continue advocating for multi-generational priorities into the proceedings.
CityFood’s journey to and at COP30: Local action driving global food system transformation
As a signatory to the Climate Champions’ Food Systems Call to Action, ICLEI’s Global CityFood Program will showcase city-led solutions and its commitment to a just transition and collective action across several COP30 events.
Belém, Brazil’s largest Amazonian city, to host COP30
As the world turns its attention to Belém for COP30, ICLEI is raising up the voices of cities in the Amazon.
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.