Climate Week NYC: City mayors lead with action

Climate Week NYC kicked off today with a clear message: cities are on the frontlines, leading the way on climate action.

As some national governments slow their commitments, C40 mayors from Freetown, Paris, Montréal, Chicago, and Phoenix are at Climate Week NYC to showcase how cities are stepping up and calling on their fellow leaders to match their ambition.

We cannot expect governments to do everything, but only governments can negotiate, so it's a bit unfair, but when there is a result of negotiation, then subnational governments have an amazing role to play. - André Corrêa do Lago, President of COP30

The week's events will help set the agenda for the World Mayors Summit, part of the Local Leaders Forum in Rio, and COP30 in Belém.

Innovation around the world

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE represented C40 Cities at the United Nations.

At the High-Level Solutions Dialogue on Accelerating Early Warning and Extreme Heat Solutions, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr presented the reality of extreme heat on the ground in cities, the role of C40 and mayors in tackling this new challenge and shared our progress and high-impact solutions. She offered support to cities across Africa and the Global South to tackle this challenge together.

Mayors, as we all know, are on the frontlines of this existential challenge and that is why it's so important that we are given the opportunity to add our voices. - C40 Co-Chair and Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr

At the UN Digital Cooperation Event, she spoke about the role of local leadership in implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and addressing digital divides. Through examples of equitable digital innovation in Freetown, the panel explored how cities can share knowledge and harness digital technology.

Slashing emissions and increasing energy independence

Energy security is more critical than ever, and governments and the private sector have a role to play. That's why Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was part of a panel discussion titled "From volatile to viable - the new playbook for energy security", recognising Freetown's leadership in sustainability, and showcasing progress on energy efficiency and clean energy, which work in tandem to slash emissions and increase energy independence.

Mayors on the ground

Underscoring the importance of inclusive climate action, Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris took part in an event with the Women Rise For All network, celebrating women leaders who are advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix is showcasing how cities are leading the way through the climate emergency by cutting fossil fuel use, protecting communities from extreme weather, and investing in good green jobs and healthy cities: "We are at a pivotal time in the climate movement - one with challenges, but also opportunities. As more and more Americans are impacted by climate change through extreme weather and rising costs, mayors are here to share a vision of climate action that drives economic prosperity, improved quality of life, and a safer future for our children. New York Climate Week is a chance for us to come together, share our successes, and chart a path forward with our national and global partners."

Day one of Climate Week NYC concluded with the Climate Leaders Reception, bringing mayors together with senior leaders from business, government, and civil society.

The goal is to accelerate the transition to a green economy and build momentum for COP30 by demonstrating that city-led climate action is not only possible but also politically popular and economically smart.