Turning to local climate action [webinar recordigns & resources]

According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) report around 70% of global CO2 emissions come from urban areas. Cities are where people live, work, and move - and where decisions about transport, energy, housing, and waste have a direct impact on the planet. This makes cities not just part of the problem, but a powerful part of the solution.

Acting locally offers something that national or international processes often lack: proximity and agency. Residents can see what’s happening around them, influence decisions more easily, and hold their local representatives accountable. When communities mobilize, they can also inspire a sense of healthy competition between cities - showing that ambitious climate action is both possible and desirable.

That’s why, at Climate Reality Europe, we’ve made local engagement a core part of our mission. Through our Citizens for Clean Energy program, we’re helping people turn knowledge into tangible action. This autumn, we hosted a series of webinars in partnership with Beyond Fossil Fuels (BFF) and Climate-KIC to explore how cities and citizens are driving the clean energy transition. Together, we looked at practical ways to understand local climate strategies, learn from city examples, and identify opportunities for action.

To support this work, we launched the City Climate Action Assessment Guidebook, a simple, hands-on resource that helps residents assess what their city is doing on climate — and where more can be done. The guidebook walks readers through key areas such as energy, transport, nature, and governance, providing an accessible first step for anyone ready to get involved.

Our partners also shared valuable tools to help citizens connect inspiration with implementation. Beyond Fossil Fuels’ Local Energy Solutions (LES) Map showcases community-driven projects across Europe, from solar cooperatives to energy efficiency measures - each demonstrating how collaboration between citizens, businesses, and municipalities can accelerate decarbonisation. Meanwhile, Climate-KIC presented lessons from their work with European mayors and the NetZeroCities initiative, which supports over 100 cities in developing integrated strategies for climate neutrality by 2030.

Local action is not about waiting for perfect policies or major investments. It’s about starting where you are - observing what works, joining local initiatives, and encouraging your council to go further. When cities lead, nations follow.

You can download the City Climate Action Assessment Guidebook and explore additional resources from our partners:

• Local Energy Solutions (LES) Map – Beyond Fossil Fuels

• Energy Transition Guides – Beyond Fossil Fuels

• NetZeroCities Mission website

If you’d like to get involved, consider joining a local Climate Hub - our growing network of Climate Reality Leaders and allies working together for cleaner, fairer cities.

We’re also exploring new ways to support your local efforts - from learning opportunities to practical resources such as templates for contacting decision-makers or examples of community projects. If you have ideas about what would help, we’d love to hear from you at europe@climatereality.com.