On 1 January 2025, C40’s new Business Plan and Leadership Standards for 2025–2030 came into effect, marking a new era of climate leadership. These strengthened membership commitments, approved by the C40 Steering Committee on 16 November 2024, set a bold global benchmark for climate ambition and action. Applying to all 97 C40 cities, they ensure that our network continues to lead the way in delivering the urgent, equitable, and transformative change our planet and communities need.
The commitment of our member cities, representing 700 million people, to these ambitious Leadership Standards reaffirms that the world’s city leaders are fully prepared to take bold, decisive action to confront the climate crisis – and they are doing it now. As the devastating consequences of inaction unfold daily – from record heatwaves and wildfires to flooding and food insecurity – the window for change is closing fast. In this critical moment, cities are not waiting for others to act. They are stepping up to lead, with bold policies and unwavering determination. But we need more leaders, partners and stakeholders globally, regionally and locally to collectively rise to the challenge with us or risk a future where we all lose.
These Leadership Standards set a new global benchmark for climate leadership. They chart a clear course for a just, resilient, and zero-carbon future, one that prioritises equity, strengthens communities, and delivers tangible benefits to people’s daily lives. By committing to these standards, C40 cities are not only accelerating climate action but also shaping an inclusive, green economy that leaves no one behind.
Our vision is rooted in the urgent need for climate justice and transformative change. By working together across borders, sectors, and communities, we are proving that a sustainable future is not just possible – it is within our reach. But we cannot succeed unless everyone commits to come along. The time for action is now more than ever, and the world’s cities are already leading the way.
C40 Leadership Standards 2025-2030
Implement
Leadership Standard A
Cities are implementing ambitious climate actions to:
- Deliver their city-wide GHG emissions targets by 2030 (or earlier), reduce the use of and end support for fossil fuels and address emissions from urban consumption
- Address priority risks, enhance resilience and deliver city-wide adaptation goals and targets
- Deliver stronger and more equitable outcomes for all
Leadership Standard B:
By 2030 cities have established comprehensive governance structures that ensure climate targets and considerations are integrated across decision-making, including introducing climate budgeting
Lead
Leadership Standard C:
Mayors are using their leadership platforms to broaden the global, regional and local impact of C40 cities’ climate actions and collective missions.
These Leadership Standards will guide our collective action until at least 2030.
Supported by the C40 Steering Committee:
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Freetown, Sierra Leone, and C40 Co-Chair
Mayor Sadiq Khan, London, UK, and C40 Co-Chair
Minister Governor, Ibrahima Cissé Bacongo, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix, USA
Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, Medellín, Colombia
Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris, France
Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Milan, Italy
Mayor Oh See-hoon, Seoul, South Korea
Governing Mayor Eirik Lae Solberg, Oslo, Norway
Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan, Hong Kong, China
Governor Yuriko Koike, Tokyo, Japan
Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal, Canada
Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Governor Sakaja Johnson, Nairobi, Kenya