Mark Watts

It’s amazing what the shift to renewables can look like. A theme park, a transport hub, and a library – all powered by clean energy. In Beijing, the transition is visible and practical, powering the places people use every day.

The best climate solutions do several things at once. At Shanghai's Luojing Port, ships plug in instead of burning fuel, cutting noise & cleaning the air for workers & nearby communities. The shift also helps push global shipping towards greener operations. That's the power of city climate action.

Beijing has cut PM2.5 pollution by nearly 70% since 2013, and you can feel and see the difference. More people outdoors, more cycling and running, more green spaces. Climate action woven into everyday life looks just like this.

How are cities and subnational leaders turning negotiation into action? This #COP30 booklet captures the crucial role cities play in tackling the climate crisis, and lays out our COP30 asks. To deliver climate action at the speed required, subnational inclusion at COPs cannot be overlooked.

This week, I’m at @cop30brazil.bsky.social in Belém where cities are backing the COP30 Presidency's call in moving from negotiation to implementation. Here’s what to expect from C40 Cities over the next two weeks ⬇️

I’m looking forward to a week of meaningful collaboration at the UrbanShift Africa Forum in Nairobi. With 92% of African cities classified as at extreme climate risk, the forum marks a decisive moment to discuss progress for the region's urban planning, sustainable investment, and climate action.