COP31: From targets to city streets

COP31 puts climate implementation at the heart of global action, and cities are the last mile where climate ambitions hit the ground. As world leaders gather in Antalya, NetZeroCities brings evidence from Europe’s Mission Cities of how climate ambitions are being translated into action on buildings, electrification and climate finance. Our message is clear: delivering on global climate commitments requires cities to be recognised and empowered as partners in shaping and implementing the transition.

From global plenaries to local neighbourhoods, climate commitments must translate into tangible results for people and communities. Cities play a central role in transforming the systems that determine urban emissions, from buildings and mobility to energy and waste. Yet their ability to act depends on decisions made across all levels of government. Accelerating the transition requires stronger collaboration, coherent policies and access to finance, ensuring cities have the authority, support and resources to deliver. COP31 is an opportunity to strengthen these foundations and place cities at the centre of the global implementation agenda.

What it takes to turn climate ambition into action?

• Connect global pledges to local delivery. Cities must be recognised as essential delivery partners, with a formal role in the international climate process and in shaping the implementation and financing mechanisms that turn global pledges into action on the ground.
• Align climate finance with implementation needs. Cities need accessible, predictable funding that matches their responsibilities, for both mitigation and adaptation. Alongside investment, cities need technical and financial expertise to turn climate priorities into investable projects and attract private capital.
• Strengthen collaboration across all levels of government. Delivering climate neutrality requires coherent policies, shared responsibilities and stronger coordination between local, national and international authorities. Cities need a meaningful voice in shaping and implementing national climate plans (NDCs).
• Climate-neutral cities drive European competitiveness, energy security and resilience. Home to more than three-quarters of Europeans, cities mobilise the bulk of climate-relevant investment and turn EU climate legislation into local economic opportunities.
• Accelerate market transformation and a just transition. Through procurement, infrastructure and regulation, cities shape demand, create markets and show what works, while making sure the transition brings decent jobs and affordable clean energy.

As the implementing platform for the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, NetZeroCities helps turn climate ambitions into practical action. From supporting cities in developing their Climate City Contracts and testing innovative solutions to connecting them with national and EU policymakers and financial expertise, we help overcome barriers to implementation. Working with 112 Mission Cities and a growing network of Mission-minded cities gives us first-hand insight into what it takes to accelerate the transition and scale successful solutions.

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