Core Themes

Policy development for climate-resilient cities

• Multilevel climate governance: as cities push for stronger climate action, there is a growing need for alignment between local, national, and global policies. The role of cities in shaping and implementing national climate goals must be reinforced at COP30. 
• Climate leadership at the local level: mayors and city officials are increasingly acting as climate leaders, but they require greater policy autonomy and direct funding to accelerate transformation.
• Balancing urban growth with climate goals: future urban development must integrate sustainability from the outset, ensuring that new infrastructure, housing, and mobility systems align with net-zero targets. 
• Biodiversity and urban planning: cities must balance development with the protection of ecosystems, using nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience while preserving biodiversity. 

Climate financing for cities

• Bridging the urban climate finance gap: despite their critical role, cities struggle to access direct climate finance, which is often locked within national budgets and multilateral frameworks.
• Scaling local climate action with global finance mechanisms: the evolution of the Coalition of High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) at COP30 presents an opportunity to strengthen financial flows to sub-national governments.
• Data and accountability in climate finance: ensuring transparency and measurable impact in city-led climate finance initiatives will be key to securing long-term funding.

• Unlocking private sector investment: public-private partnerships will be essential in scaling solutions like sustainable infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings.

Climate technology and digital transformation

• AI and smart infrastructure for sustainability: AI-driven systems are optimising energy use, transport networks, and water management, but cities must ensure ethical and efficient implementation.

• Digital twins for climate-aware urban development: virtual models of cities are revolutionising planning and resilience strategies, allowing for scenario-based decision-making.

• Environmental monitoring and sensing: real-time air and water quality monitoring, enhanced by IoT and AI, is providing actionable data for city leaders.

• Energy consumption of emerging technologies: the rise of AI and data-intensive applications is placing new pressures on energy grids, necessitating more efficient and sustainable solutions. 

Sustainable mobility and active transport 

• The expansion of 15-minute cities: ensuring that urban residents have easy access to essential services within a short walk or cycle ride, reducing car dependency.
• EV transition and consumer behaviour: despite policy incentives, EV adoption still faces challenges around infrastructure, affordability, and public perception. 
• Public transport electrification: cities are rolling out electric buses and trams, but challenges remain in scaling charging networks and integrating renewable energy.
• Reclaiming streets for active transport: policies that prioritise cycling, walking, and pedestrian-friendly design are critical for reducing emissions and enhancing public health.

Energy transition and efficiency

• Distributed energy networks and decentralisation: cities are increasingly turning to localised grids, renewable energy integration, and storage solutions to enhance resilience.
• The role of small modular reactors (SMRs): as part of the transition away from fossil fuels, SMRs are gaining attention as a potential energy source within distributed networks.
• Renewable energy integration in cities: ensuring the smooth integration of wind, solar, and other renewables into urban grids while maintaining reliability. 
• Energy efficiency in a high-demand era: addressing rising energy consumption from digitalisation, electrification, and AI-driven applications.

Decarbonising the built environment

• Energy-efficient building retrofitting: upgrading existing structures is one of the fastest ways to cut urban emissions, but financing and logistical barriers remain.
• Embedding nature-based solutions: from green roofs to urban wetlands, integrating natural elements into urban landscapes enhances carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
• Low-carbon construction materials: the construction industry is embracing alternatives like mass timber, recycled materials, and low-carbon concrete to reduce its environmental footprint.
• Urban heat island mitigation: as extreme heat events intensify, cities are implementing reflective materials, increased tree coverage, and passive cooling techniques to enhance liveability.