What is the role of ICLEI and local governments in climate talks and action?

Local climate action has been rolling out globally since early 1990s through various initiatives in which ICLEI has been an active leader through its members, campaigns and projects. When national governments decided to craft a new global climate regime, ICLEI started a parallel and global process called the “Local Government Climate Roadmap” and kicked it off with all leading networks of local governments which aimed to ensure recognition, engagement and empowerment of local climate action within this new global climate regime.

We have come very far, from the adoption of the Global Cities Covenant on Climate in 2010, to the appointment of former Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, as the UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change.

For the full history, check out our detailed Timeline.