Local Leaders
"Local leaders are vital for global solutions." — , UN Secretary-General.
Cities, states and regions are on the front lines of the climate crisis, exposed to increasing extremes such as heatwaves, flooding, storms and droughts. The Local Leaders series features mayors, governors and other local leaders who are championing impactful initiatives that make their communities more resilient and sustainable. The series is curated in collaboration with , the global network of mayors, the for climate and energy, , and the Climate Group’s of subnational governments.
Hobart: Young people are vital to putting in place climate solutions
Mayor Anna Reynold explains how Hobart, Australia, is working with communities and empowering young people to make the city climate-ready, cleaner, more efficient, and economically vibrant.
Quezon City: People at the heart of climate action
Mayor Joy Belmonte explains Quezon City’s climate action initiatives, including solar panels on city buildings and support to urban farmers.
London: The world’s largest clean air zone
Mayor Sadiq Khan details how London established the world’s largest clean air zone, significantly reducing air pollution and carbon emissions through cleaner transport.
Freetown: Planting five million trees by 2030
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr details Freetown’s initiative to restore forests, reduce flood risk, improve air quality, and capture carbon, and the city’s efforts to switch to more sustainable cooking fuel.
Sahab: Energy efficiency for a greener, healthier city
Mayor Abbas Almaharmeh explains Sahab’s efforts to boost energy efficiency and expand renewable energy, including through LED street lighting and solar panels, in an effort to improve air quality, cut municipal electricity costs and mitigate the city’s carbon footprint.
Paris: Transforming streets for people and the planet
Mayor Anne Hidalgo shares how Paris is transforming its streets to make walking and cycling easier, reducing pollution and increasing the quality of life.
Rio de Janeiro: Sirens and shelters against extreme weather
Mayor Eduardo Paes explains Rio de Janeiro’s adaptation efforts against heavy rains and heatwaves, which include siren systems and shelters to protect vulnerable hillside communities.
Cluj-Napoca: A ‘Digital Twin’ neighbourhood to achieve climate-neutral living
Mayor Emil Boc explains how the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca is using technology to create a virtual replica of a neighbourhood to collect real-time data on energy consumption, heating, and water usage, in an effort to reach climate-neutral living.
Despe?aderos: A community commitment to a ‘green’ city
Mayor Carolina Basualdo shares Despe?aderos’ ambition to become a ‘green’ city, through the creation and protection of green lungs, forest corridors, native flora and fauna.
Jeju: Transitioning to renewable energy as the responsible choice for future generations
Governor Oh Young-hun explains the impact of sea level rise and warming temperatures on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, and highlights the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and future generations.
Catalonia: Embracing the shift to renewables
President Salvador Illa explains the urgency to shift to renewables for the autonomous community of Catalonia, aiming to achieve 50 per cent of electrical autonomy with clean sources by 2030.
The Western Cape: Investing in sustainability to bolster the economy against climate shocks
Premier Alan Winde outlines the Province’s strategy to strengthen its economy against climate shocks, including by improving water and food systems, investing in flood prevention and early warning systems, and protecting natural assets like coastlines and biodiversity.
Maharashtra: The power of grassroot mobilization
Minister Pankaja Munde explains the impacts of climate change on the Indian state of Maharashtra and the vital role that communities play in advancing climate action.
California: You don’t have to choose between a strong economy and bold climate leadership
Governor Gavin Newsom explains how California — the world’s fourth largest economy — is cutting carbon pollution and rapidly deploying clean energy, and how these investments are improving air quality, creating jobs, and driving billions into the communities that need it most.
Gyeonggi: Climate insurance as a safety net for all residents
Governor Kim Dong-yeon talks about the floods and heatwaves affecting Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, and outlines the insurance policy covering all residents from climate-related health impacts.
Phoenix: Shading residents against the heat
Mayor Kate Gallego explains how the desert city of Phoenix in Arizona, U.S., is adapting to climate change and the rising temperatures by increasing trees and shade structures.
Andalusia: Helping municipalities cope with the changing climate
President Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla explains the dire impact climate change is having on the autonomous region of Andalusia, Spain, and the actions taken at the regional level to support municipalities and communities to cope with the changing climate.
Cleveland: Building ‘brightfields’ of solar power
Mayor Justin M. Bibb shares how Cleveland is turning landfills and brownfields into ‘brightfields’ that generate clean energy from the sun.
Guelmim-Oued Noun: Water at the core of the climate challenge
President Mbarka Bouaida shares insights on how climate change is affecting Morocco’s southern territories and the integrated water resilience strategy her region is leading in partnership with international institutions.
Baden-Württemberg: Reaching climate neutrality by 2040
Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann outlines his goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, through steps such as expanding solar energy and promoting environmentally friendly transport.
Quebec: Leading the way with almost 100 per cent renewable energy
Premier Fran?ois Legault explains how flooding and wildfires are affecting Quebec and the province’s commitment to renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings and the electrification of transport, among others.
Atlanta: Building up climate resilience
Mayor Andre Dickens details the city’s plans to tackle the challenges of climate change in an equitable manner that protects nature, strengthens critical infrastructure and supports upward economic mobility.
Illinois: Expanding clean energy and local jobs
Governor Pritzker highlights the state’s efforts to transition to clean energy and expand economic opportunities for communities by attracting more clean energy jobs and offering trainings and apprenticeships in every corner of the state.