Throughout 2021, the impacts of climate change have been evident across the globe, from wildfires in Greece and California to flooding across Central Europe, Japan and East Africa. Even while the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, this year must mark a turning point in the fight for climate action. 

Immediate action is needed to stop global greenhouse gas emissions, avoid new emissions, design resilient infrastructure and switch to renewable energy. Cities, states and regions – especially those reporting through the CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System – are a critical part of this new path forward. They must help halve global emissions by 2030, and set science-based climate targets to stay on the pathway of a 1.5°C temperature rise. 93% of cities are already at risk – they must put plans in place to adapt to the impacts of climate change, underpinned by a climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA). 

But change cannot happen in silos. At CDP and ICLEI, we know the value of collaboration, and the benefits that come from working with actors across cities, states, regions, governments and business. This report shows how collaboration across all levels of government is key to driving multi-level climate action: nearly one in three cities report that their ability to adapt to climate change is dependent on factors influenced by different levels of government. 

As we approach the critical United Nations Climate Conference COP26, national government 

are increasingly including local and regional government in their plans. However, there is still ample opportunity to raise targets by including sub-national contributions more fully and to enhance vertically integrated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) implementation and investment plans. 

Multilevel collaboration and action are part of the new normal to enable ambitious climate action. In the face of the climate emergency, the groundwork is being laid for just, inclusive, holistic and nature-friendly climate action led by all levels of government, with local leadership guiding and driving implementation in cities, states and regions.