CityTalk is Your Source for Urban Sustainability Stories
Local actions driving global change
WHAT’S TRENDING
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Eight signs 2026 isn’t business as usual for urban sustainability agendas
For better or worse, the year ahead brings a mix of reforms, political shifts and global milestones that will shape how urban sustainability agendas are governed and delivered. Here’s what local and regional governments should be on the lookout for this year.
Protecting urban wetlands
World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2, is dedicated to raising global awareness of the value of wetlands to the environment and humanity.
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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.…
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From asphalt to wetland sponge park: How Chennai is absorbing water and building resilience
Once a parking lot and dumping ground, Chennai’s first wetland sponge park is leading the way for a climate-resilient city.…
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Five reasons why oceans are important to cities and why cities are important for our oceans
Local and regional governments are paying attention to the multilateral oceans agenda because of the myriad ways life in coastal…
Our most popular stories in 2025
To wrap up 2025, we look back at six stories that resonated most with our readers. Together, they underline ICLEI’s role in 2025: Connecting local solutions with national and global goals, and supporting cities and regions to translate ambition into practical, more equitable action.
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Our most popular stories in 2025
To wrap up 2025, we look back at six stories that resonated most with our readers. From urban biodiversity and…
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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…
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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…
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Heat is rising. Here’s how cities are rising to respond.
Feeling the heat? So are our cities, and they’re taking action. On Heat Action Day, we spotlight how local and regional…
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10 reasons to promote urban biodiversity
Urban growth is shrinking natural habitats, but cities also hold the key to reversing biodiversity loss. As epicenters of change,…
Risk management in cities
Building long-term urban resilience.
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A new safety net for Latin American and Caribbean cities
The Urban Infrastructure Insurance Facility (UIIF), introduces an innovative way for cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to access…
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Insuring our future: Strengthening disaster resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean
During the first in-person event in San José, Costa Rica, the Urban Infrastructure Insurance Facility (UIIF) Project united representatives from…
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Three pillars to empower women in climate and disaster risk financing: Bridging the gender gap
“Natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, are gender-neutral, but their impacts are not.” This statement from the World…
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Addressing the climate crisis in socially unequal areas: Global funds, poverty eradication and risk management
Addressing the climate crisis in socially unequal areas involves utilizing tailored insurance mechanisms, such as those provided by the Urban…
Cities and regions at COP30
In Belém, Brazil, the ICLEI network showcased the strength of cities and regions and demanded bold action from Parties.
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…