Climate 44

Sub-Saharan African cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Rapid urbanisation has increased their exposure to climate risks and greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, signatories of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) are developing Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs). These plans aim to foster low-carbon, resilient development while ensuring access to sustainable energy.

However, limited access to climate finance remains a major hurdle. Many local governments lack the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the complex landscape of climate-related funding. A new publication addresses this gap by mapping out available financing instruments, eligibility criteria, and technical considerations tailored to Sub-Saharan cities.

While a range of climate finance sources exists, most are not directly accessible to local authorities, often requiring intermediaries such as national governments or development banks. To close this gap, national institutions must improve coordination, provide direct financial support, and create enabling environments for private investment. Mechanisms like Subnational Development Banks and dedicated national climate funds are also key to improving financial flows at the local level.

Development partners and the international community play a critical role by offering technical assistance for project planning, design, and implementation. With stronger multilevel cooperation, cities across the region can increase their access to climate finance and accelerate the delivery of their SEACAPs, driving both climate resilience and sustainable development.

For more information, contact:

Project Lead – Climate, Energy & Urban Development

Climate action in African cities

Lessons from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa on energy, adaptation and resilience

The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is a landmark initiative launched by the European Union in 2015 to strengthen local governments’ response to climate change, promote access to clean energy, and build long-term urban resilience. With over 200 signatory cities and a strong support network of partners, the initiative has empowered local authorities to develop Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) based on their own priorities and challenges.

At a concluding workshop held in Cape Town, participants from pilot cities, non-funded signatories, and local experts gathered to reflect on their experiences, share lessons learned, and chart the way forward for climate action at the local level.

A bottom-up approach to climate action
The CoM SSA approach is rooted in the understanding that cities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, are uniquely positioned to implement climate policies that are both ambitious and inclusive. Through support in planning, training, technical assistance and data collection, cities were equipped to address three central themes: mitigation, adaptation and access to affordable energy.

Energy access remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges, with only 32% of the population having access to electricity. Yet despite low carbon emissions compared to global averages, African cities are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This makes the integration of climate and development priorities not only desirable, but essential.

Key lessons from the ground
The workshop highlighted a set of practical insights for future projects:

Climate planning must be institutionalised across all levels of government to ensure continuity and avoid fragmentation.
Political backing is vital: champions within local councils can significantly boost project success.
Data collection is fundamental, but often difficult. Cities need targeted support to overcome technical and bureaucratic hurdles.
Stakeholder inclusion, especially at the early stages, is key to making plans locally relevant and actionable.
Behaviour change within institutions and communities is as important as infrastructure investment.
Training local officials and developing tailored communication strategies are essential to securing long-term buy-in.
Journalists and the media can play a crucial role in building public understanding, but they also need to be supported and trained.

The transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient cities in Sub-Saharan Africa is urgent, and the CoM SSA programme has laid a solid foundation for this transformation. However, participating cities stressed that they are not ready to continue alone. Continued support for capacity-building, funding, and guidance through the next phases of SEACAP implementation is essential.

To meet global climate goals and reduce inequality, both bottom-up and top-down approaches must work together. Local governments need stronger backing from national authorities and the international community to bridge the gap between policy ambition and service delivery.

Ultimately, the experience of CoM SSA cities shows that climate action in Africa must be collaborative, context-specific, and inclusive, because the future of climate resilience lies in empowering those who are closest to the challenge.

For more information, contact:

Project Lead – Climate, Energy & Urban Development

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Water, Water

Water framework and floods directive

Balancing high environmental goals with realistic implementation, funding, and stronger local involvement

The Water Framework Directive (WFD), in force since 2000, is one of the EU’s most ambitious environmental laws, aiming for good status of all EU waters by 2027. While progress has been made, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and increasing pressure on water resources demand a renewed and practical approach. In its response to the EU’s fitness check, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) underline the importance of keeping high ambition while ensuring realistic implementation for local and regional governments (LRGs).

Key Messages

Maintain ambition, improve delivery
The WFD has led to clear improvements in Europe’s waters and should be continued. While full achievement by 2027 may not be possible everywhere, the Directive remains a vital tool. Environmental goals must be preserved, supported by realistic intermediate targets and achievable management cycles.

Adjust without lowering ambition
LRGs stress the need to adapt the WFD to 21st-century challenges such as land-use changes, climate impacts, and new pollutants. The Directive should move towards a more realistic framework, reflecting natural and historical influences on water quality.

Better harmonisation with other EU policies
Water protection cannot be addressed in isolation. The WFD must align with related legislation, including the Drinking Water Directive, Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and rules on water reuse. Agriculture, industry, and transport have major impacts on water quality, requiring stronger links with the Common Agricultural Policy, REACH, and strategies to reduce nitrates, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals in water.

Stronger local involvement and governance
Municipalities, as the level of government closest to citizens and water bodies, must be more involved in water governance. LRGs are best placed to enforce measures, raise awareness, and apply flexible, site-specific solutions. This aligns with SDG 6.5 on integrated water resources management.

Simplification and funding
Implementation of the WFD is often too complex and administratively burdensome for municipalities and water operators. Reporting requirements should be simplified, and EU or national funding must accompany new obligations to ensure effective delivery.

Polluter Pays Principle
A stronger source-control approach is needed. Responsibility for water quality should not fall solely on municipal treatment plants but be shared across all polluters. Applying the “polluter pays” principle will create transparency, fairness, and stronger engagement from all stakeholders.

More flexible derogations
The current rules on exemptions are too rigid, often blocking socially important projects like new wastewater treatment plants. CEMR calls for clearer and more balanced derogation rules, allowing essential societal developments while safeguarding water protection.

CEMR’s position is clear: the WFD has proven its value and must remain ambitious, but reforms are needed to reflect new challenges, reduce administrative burdens, and empower local governments. By ensuring flexibility, proper funding, and shared responsibility, Europe can better safeguard its waters while supporting sustainable development at local and regional levels.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

Financing climate action in Africa

New guide helps African cities unlock funding to implement their sustainable energy and climate plans

As cities across Sub-Saharan Africa face mounting climate threats, they are also increasingly expected to lead the response. Rapid urbanisation, vulnerability to extreme weather, and growing emissions underscore the urgent need for robust local climate action. Yet financing remains a critical hurdle.

To address this, a new publication supported by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) offers a practical overview of climate finance options available to local governments. It focuses on helping cities develop and implement their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs), a cornerstone of the CoM SSA initiative.

While numerous funding mechanisms and instruments exist, from global climate funds to development grants and blended finance models, many remain inaccessible to local authorities. Complex application processes, lack of technical capacity, and a mismatch between financing requirements and city realities are key barriers.

The publication identifies actionable pathways forward. Among them:

Clearer guidance on eligibility and technical criteria for accessing major funding streams.
Support for project preparation, including technical assistance and capacity building.
The need for intermediary institutions, such as subnational development banks, to channel finance to the local level.
Improved national frameworks to enable direct municipal access to funds and attract private sector investment.
Community-based and innovative financing models, such as cooperatives, crowdfunding, and microfinance, to mobilise local capital.

The guide also encourages governments and donors to strengthen partnerships with local authorities, recognising their key role in meeting national and global climate goals.

Ultimately, the success of SEACAP implementation depends not only on access to finance but also on inclusive planning, local ownership, and sustained political will. Empowering cities with the tools and resources to act will be essential for climate resilience and sustainable development across the region.

For more information, contact:

Project Lead – Climate, Energy & Urban Development

Talanoa for climate action

Inclusive dialogues in Africa driving cooperation to strengthen and raise ambition of national climate commitments

Urban areas contribute up to 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Cities in Africa, already hotspots of climate risk, are therefore central to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Recognising this, the Cities and Regions Talanoa Dialogues have emerged as an innovative approach to align national, subnational, and international actors in raising climate ambition.

The concept of Talanoa, originating in Pacific Island traditions, emphasises open, inclusive, and participatory dialogue. First introduced in the UNFCCC process at COP23, it provides a safe space for stakeholders to reflect, share experiences, and identify pathways forward. ICLEI, together with the Global Covenant of Mayors and UN-Habitat, launched the Cities and Regions Talanoa Dialogues in 2018 to bring this ethos into climate policy discussions.

By the end of 2018, more than 60 dialogues in 40 countries were held, including eight in seven African countries, convening local leaders, youth organisations, investors, and development agencies. These dialogues addressed three guiding questions:

Where are we? – assessing current national and local commitments.

Where do we want to go? – linking climate action to SDGs and urban development policies.

How do we get there? – identifying joint models for financing, governance, and implementation.

In Africa, the Talanoa ethos resonated strongly. Participants pointed out similar local traditions of collective storytelling and decision-making, such as oxungt in Namibia. This cultural grounding reinforced the importance of making global frameworks relevant to local realities.

Key lesson: for NDCs to be both credible and ambitious, regular multi-level engagement is essential. National governments must work hand in hand with municipalities, regional authorities, and civil society to mobilise the technical, financial, and policy resources required for implementation.

The Talanoa Dialogues in Africa have shown that inclusive storytelling is not just a cultural tradition, it is a practical pathway to more ambitious climate action.

For more information, contact:

Project Lead – Climate, Energy & Urban Development

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications, Sustainable mobility, Sustainable mobility

Review of clean vehicles directive

Rethinking EU Clean Vehicles Rules: Why CEMR Calls for Flexibility, Funding, and Local Autonomy

Read our key messages

With road transport accounting for nearly a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is pushing for cleaner mobility solutions across all sectors. But in its current form, the proposed revision of the Clean Vehicles Directive could undermine the very public transport systems it aims to green. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) raises serious concerns about the directive’s scope, rigid procurement quotas, and potential to impose disproportionate costs on local and regional governments.

Rather than empowering local authorities, the directive risks creating new financial burdens, administrative complexity, and counterproductive outcomes, such as reduced services or higher fares that could drive citizens away from public transport.

Key messages include:

Public authorities are not the problem. Local public transport is already among the cleanest transport modes. Efforts must focus more on vehicle manufacturers and private transport operators, not just municipalities.

Procurement must remain flexible. While green public procurement should be encouraged, mandatory environmental or social criteria for public contracts would conflict with the subsidiarity principle and public procurement law. Local governments must retain the freedom to balance cost, service needs, and environmental goals.

Technology neutrality is essential. The directive should avoid favouring specific technologies. Instead, a life-cycle emissions approach should guide definitions of “clean vehicles,” including real-driving emissions and biofuels. Special-purpose vehicles such as snow ploughs and waste trucks should be excluded.

Quotas may backfire. Mandatory targets for clean vehicle procurement risk creating a vicious cycle: higher costs for local authorities may lead to service cuts, higher fares, and reduced public transport use, ultimately undermining climate goals.

Funding must follow ambition. The transition to cleaner fleets requires substantial investment. CEMR calls for EU support, including a “golden rule” exempting public transport investment from Maastricht deficit rules, and more targeted funding.

Reporting must be simplified. New national-level monitoring and reporting rules must not overload the over 100,000 local authorities across the EU. CEMR urges a streamlined, risk-based approach to limit bureaucracy.

Ultimately, CEMR opposes the directive in its current form and urges amendments that respect local autonomy, enable cost-effective transition, and support sustainable transport without penalising the public sector already leading the way.

Read position paper here

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

EU strategy on climate change

Why Local Governments Must Be Central to the EU’s Climate Resilience Strategy

As the EU evaluates its 2013 Adaptation Strategy, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) highlights a critical gap: climate resilience cannot succeed without fully involving local and regional governments. In its response to the Commission’s consultation, CEMR stresses that municipalities are already adapting to the effects of climate change, but current EU and national frameworks fail to empower them with the resources, recognition, and flexibility they need.

From floods and droughts to infrastructure strain, local authorities are on the frontlines of climate impacts. Yet too often, policies are shaped top-down, with insufficient consultation and support for those who must implement solutions on the ground. CEMR calls for a strengthened multi-level governance model, dedicated funding streams, and enhanced city-to-city cooperation to ensure the EU’s adaptation ambitions translate into effective, community-driven action.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

GRIFFON Axelle In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Permanent platforms for energy dialogue

Integrating local governments into national climate and energy planning through multilevel dialogue

The transition towards a sustainable, decentralised and decarbonised energy system is a collective endeavour. Local and regional governments across Europe are already demonstrating leadership, delivering a significant share of the EU’s climate objectives. Yet, despite their strong track record and growing involvement, their role in shaping national climate and energy strategies remains fragmented. Ongoing negotiations on Energy Union Governance open the door to correcting this imbalance by establishing permanent Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogue Platforms.

Building on local experience
Cities and regions have proven to be persistent drivers of Europe’s energy transition, with research showing they contribute to more than a third of the EU’s 2020 climate target. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors have showcased how local ambition can exceed European targets, but without a formal structure, their contributions risk being underutilised. The European Parliament’s proposal for dialogue platforms would ensure local authorities, alongside civil society and business stakeholders, are systematically involved in drafting, monitoring, and reviewing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and Long-Term Strategies.

Such platforms would offer multiple benefits: continuous political support, feedback loops between delivery agents and policymakers, shared responsibility across sectors, stronger policy implementation, and the spread of best practices across Member States.

National examples to inspire Europe

Several countries already provide valuable models. In the Netherlands, municipalities and provinces negotiate national energy strategies with the government and social partners, resulting in formal agreements and regional climate plans. France has institutionalised citizen and stakeholder involvement through its Public Debate Commission, engaging the public directly in shaping energy programmes. Sweden demonstrates the value of capacity-building, with national agencies supporting local governments in setting and implementing climate objectives aligned with national goals.

These examples show that permanent platforms for dialogue are both feasible and effective. Institutionalising multilevel dialogue under the Energy Union Governance would not only ensure that the EU benefits from the proven ambition of local authorities but also strengthen the democratic legitimacy and efficiency of Europe’s energy transition. Local governments are ready to contribute, what is needed now is a framework that guarantees their voice is heard at every stage.

For more information, contact:

Advisor – Environment and mobility

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Press, Publications

Local and regional leaders at COP23

Driving decarbonisation through cooperation, finance and multilevel governance

At COP23, European towns and regions reaffirm their commitment to building decarbonised and sustainable societies. Local and regional governments are already on the frontlines of the climate transition, implementing concrete measures that bring global climate goals to life at the community level. As Mayor Juan Espadas of Seville and Mayor Furio Honsell of Udine underline:

Towns, regions and countries should all stand side by side to reach a sustainable planet. At COP23, let’s work together to achieve a decarbonised and sustainable future for everyone.

Key Messages from Local and Regional Governments

Global climate agendas are only achieved with local action
Cities and regions are essential for turning international commitments into reality. Localising the Agenda 2030 and strengthening multilevel alliances ensures that national and international targets translate into measurable change on the ground.

Appropriate financial and political frameworks are crucial
Ambitious local climate action depends on strong frameworks that provide resources and recognition. National governments must formally acknowledge local authorities as legitimate partners and equip them with the means to lead mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Governing together for a stronger impact
Tackling climate change requires collaboration at all levels. Early involvement of towns, cities and regions in national and international policymaking strengthens implementation and creates unity of purpose. Global initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors demonstrate the power of collective local action.

Europe’s global responsibility
Europe must reinforce its role as a leader in protecting the planet by working hand in hand with local and regional governments. Their active participation in shaping climate policy will ensure effective, democratic and sustainable results at both the EU and global levels.

Decentralised cooperation accelerates decarbonisation
Cities have already developed extensive expertise in sustainable planning and international partnerships. Through decentralised cooperation, European towns and regions support their peers worldwide to implement climate projects, strengthening the global movement towards decarbonised societies.

The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement highlights the need for all other actors to step up. Local and regional governments across Europe are ready to intensify their cooperation, within Europe and globally, to keep the world on track towards a sustainable, decarbonised future.

For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva

Senior Advisor – Global Agendas, SDGs & Climate

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Environment, Environment, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Regions driving climate action

Municipalities and regions as catalysts for COP22 progress

COP22 in Marrakesh marked a crucial moment in translating the Paris Agreement into concrete action. For Europe’s municipalities and regions, this summit was an opportunity to showcase their role as catalysts in building sustainable and decarbonised societies. Represented by CEMR and PLATFORMA, local and regional governments brought forward five key messages to ensure that climate policies are inclusive, effective, and grounded in local realities:

Embedding the subnational level in global climate governance
Since COP15, the EU has acknowledged the role of municipalities and regions in combating climate change. At COP22, local leaders urged the EU to formalise a permanent, structured dialogue, allowing subnational governments to join EU delegations in climate negotiations. This would not only strengthen governance but also ensure that national commitments reflect local realities.

Linking COP outcomes with global agendas
COP22 should not stand alone but connect to broader frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, and the Habitat III Urban Agenda. Local financial capacities and legal competences must be assessed early to avoid unrealistic policies or burdensome costs for municipalities.

Mobilising financial and political resources
Successful climate action requires adequate resources. CEMR and PLATFORMA highlighted the importance of EU Structural and Investment Funds, access to global climate financing, and innovative tools like sustainable public procurement. Local politicians’ direct engagement and citizen ownership are vital to building resilient and low-carbon communities.

Mainstreaming local action into EU and national policies
Climate legislation must fully integrate the local dimension. Early recognition of local authorities as legitimate actors is essential. Initiatives such as the EU Urban Agenda, Territorial Agenda 2020, and the Covenant of Mayors show how climate policies can work when municipalities are treated as true partners.

Encouraging cooperation and knowledge exchange
Sharing practices, tools, and joint initiatives among cities and regions is key to accelerating progress. Decentralised cooperation, particularly through the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global Covenant of Mayors, demonstrates how European municipalities can support global peers in their transition to sustainable development.

CEMR and PLATFORMA reaffirmed their commitment to climate action by promoting multi-level governance, showcasing local best practices, and strengthening decentralised cooperation worldwide. Their message at COP22 was clear: local and regional governments are not bystanders but central actors in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future. Climate action is an opportunity for green jobs, growth, and resilience, and municipalities and regions are ready to lead.