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Local actions driving global change
WHAT’S TRENDING
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The just transition is starting locally: Turning fossil fuel phase-out into fair local change
Ahead of the First Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels (24–29 April) in Santa Marta, Colombia, local and regional governments are turning this shift into fair, workable change, from energy planning to renewables and workforce reskilling.
Driving global climate and sustainability agendas
Real progress on the global climate emergency depends on coordinated, inclusive, and multilevel action, with cities and regions leading as vital agents of change.
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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…
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A global Plastics Treaty stalls, but cities can push ahead
As global Plastics Treaty negotiations failed to reach consensus, cities and regions cannot wait. Read four takeaways to guide local…
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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…
Driving the transition to zero-waste cities
Cities face growing waste and resource scarcity under linear economic models. Circular development rethinks how resources are used, reused, and shared to create thriving, low-waste communities. On 30 March, as we celebrate International Day of Zero Waste, we highlight how cities are already driving this shift.
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African enterprises bet on circularity to reshape food systems
Across Africa, food entrepreneurs across the coffee, fisheries, poultry, and dairy sectors are reshaping how food is produced, packaged, reused,…
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ReUse this: Medellín’s steps to scale returnable packaging
From coffee cups to soda bottles, over 1,000 tonnes of waste are generated every day in Medellín, Colombia. In response,…
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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…
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Beyond the bin: What cities can do to make reuse work
What if your coffee cup or takeout container didn’t end up in the trash, but went back into circulation, reducing…
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Travis County’s sustainability journey: A people-centered approach to zero hunger & zero waste
Travis County, Texas has embraced a multifaceted approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger (SDG 2) while…
Driving global climate and sustainability agendas
Real progress on the global climate emergency depends on coordinated, inclusive, and multilevel action, with cities and regions leading as vital agents of change.
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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…
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Cities and regions address opportunities and needs on key environmental issues at UN Environment Assembly
As co-focal point of the Local Authorities Major Group, ICLEI ensures cities’ and regions’ voices are represented in the UNEA…
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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…
Risk management in cities
Building long-term urban resilience.
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Before the next crisis hits: Why women’s leadership matters in climate risk management
The impacts of climate hazards are not gender-neutral; women are often among those most affected. As cities make critical decisions…
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Being investment ready for climate resilience
While climate resilience assessment tools help cities understand their risks, adaptation projects often need a final push to become a…
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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…