Climate City Contract
The Climate City Contract represents Reykjavík City's commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, in collaboration with institutions, businesses, the university community, and residents. Contract participants have committed to developing actions that measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Reykjavík City's climate goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The contract itself
Reykjavík's first Climate City Contract was signed Oct. 7, 2024. Reykjavík City then received approval for the contract at a formal ceremony during a climate conference in Vilnius, Lithuania on May 7, 2025. The contract includes 15 actions with 18 participants. The contract is reviewed every two years, and participants have committed to attending annual consultation meetings.
Reykjavík City is one of 112 leading cities in climate action selected from 377 applicants to find ways to accelerate carbon neutrality by 2030 and serve as a model for other cities. The Climate City Contract is a framework that helps European cities plan and commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 through coordinated actions, an investment plan, and community participation.
Collaboration with residents
The participation of 18 contracting parties brings us closer to fulfilling the contract's commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Residents play a crucial role in the journey to carbon neutrality, where daily habits—such as sorting waste, conserving water and energy, and adopting new transportation habits—make a difference. Achieving this goal requires a collective effort to identify barriers, set priorities, and accelerate the process toward carbon neutrality.
What are the benefits of participating?
It is a privilege to be part of a group of 112 leading cities in climate action, both for Reykjavík City, businesses, and institutions.
- Strong partnership between private and public sectors
- Access to international counselors through NetZeroCities.
- Technical and advisory support for initiatives
- Networking and knowledge sharing in sustainability
- Funding opportunities for green solutions that support the contract's goals
- Participation and collaboration in pilot projects
Innovation and research
The idea is for the 112 European cities in the project to become leaders in innovation and research, so that other European cities can follow their example and become carbon neutral by 2050. Iceland signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, which aims to keep global warming below 1.5°C. To achieve this, the world must reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Consultation
The City of Reykjavík is getting expert advice from the international organization NetZeroCities. They are working with the European Commission and other organizations like Climate-KIC, Eurocities, and ICLEI to manage the project.
Transportation is the main issue
In order to meet the goal, the amount of greenhouse gases must be reduced quickly and the carbon that can't be reduced must be stored safely.
The biggest source of greenhouse gases in Reykjavík is from cars on the road.
So, we need to find ways to reduce the number of car trips.
