Reykjavík earns highest recognition and top rating for being a global leader in climate action. Of more than 900 cities evaluated, Reykjavík is among 119 cities receiving an A grade for transparency in climate action from the independent assessment organization CDP. Only 13% of cities evaluated for 2023 achieved an A grade.
"This grade represents an independent assessment of Reykjavík City's climate policies and our progress. It's crucial to know we're on the right track. I am extremely proud that we rank among the top 100 most progressive cities globally in addressing climate change, as this recognition is hard-earned. This motivates us to continue implementing the Transportation Charter for the capital area and other key initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality for the region, as jointly agreed by all municipalities in the area.
The Transportation Charter is our largest single initiative addressing climate impacts from transportation, which remains our most challenging area in climate action. Building housing and services near excellent public transportation is the other key component, also known as transit-oriented development. These projects are part of the Green Deal, which represents Reykjavík's comprehensive vision for the future," says Dagur B. Eggertsson, mayor of Reykjavík.
The most significant progress in recent months has been in waste management, where increased sorting, reduced landfill use, and the launch of the Gas and Composting Station in Álfsnes have made the greatest impact.
"Our greatest progress in recent months has been in waste management, where improved sorting, reduced landfill use, and the introduction of the Gas and Composting Station in Álfsnes have been most impactful. We need to maintain this momentum and work closely with the business community on our next steps. As with transportation, successful outcomes depend on strong partnerships, and next year we want to engage as many stakeholders as possible in developing a Climate Agreement for Reykjavík. This effort will require broad participation from many stakeholders,“ says the mayor.
Leadership in climate action
To earn an A grade, cities must publish their community greenhouse gas emissions, establish emission reduction targets, set renewable energy goals, and release a climate action plan. Cities receiving an A grade must also complete a climate change adaptation risk assessment and outline how they will address climate change impacts. Many A-graded cities demonstrate diverse climate leadership approaches and benefit from political support for their climate initiatives.
Reykjavík City meets all these requirements. The city has integrated climate issues and adaptation measures into its Municipal Plan, has published greenhouse gas emissions data over several years, and has maintained its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 since 2016. Reykjavík supports the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C. Nations will gather in early December at the United Nations climate conference, COP28, to assess progress on Paris Agreement targets and establish direction for next steps on global climate issues.
Requirements have been strengthened
Reykjavík City published its first Climate Action Plan in 2016, issued a new action plan for 2021-2025, and approved a new climate-focused addendum to Reykjavík's Municipal Plan in early 2022. Reykjavík City is also one of 112 cities participating in the European initiative for carbon-neutral and smart cities by 2030, which demands even more ambitious actions and broader collaboration.
The journey toward becoming a carbon-neutral city is part of the city's Green Deal, a 10-year investment strategy. A substantial portion of investments supports projects and development of neighborhoods and infrastructure that advance carbon neutrality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and help the city adapt to climate change impacts.
Requirements for achieving an A grade are continuously reviewed and have been strengthened. As a result, fewer than 13% of cities achieve an A grade.
Keeping global warming below 1.5°C requires ambitious actions, which is why requirements for earning an A grade undergo continual review and have been strengthened. As a result, fewer than 13% of cities achieve an A grade.
108 million people live in the top-ranked cities
Cities on the top list are climate action leaders and typically implement twice as many targeted climate measures as cities that don't achieve an A grade, while also identifying twice as many climate opportunities, according to CDP.
The cities span the globe, from Canada to Japan and from South Africa to New Zealand. A total of 108 million people live in these cities, which is only a small fraction of the 4.2 billion people living in cities worldwide.