York named as A-List Global Climate Action Leader

York is amongst only 119 cities across the world to be awarded a top score  for climate action leadership by the non-profit CDP.

The city has been recognised by CDP as one of 119 cities across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency, despite the pressures of a challenging global economic situation. It is the second year in a row that York has received the highest accolade.

Designed to encourage and support cities to ramp up their climate action and ambition, CDP’s Cities A List is based on environmental data disclosed by cities to CDP-ICLEI Track. A clear momentum in city climate disclosure and action is building – over 900 cities (939 in total) received a rating for their climate action from CDP in 2023. In 2023, just over one in ten cities scored by CDP (13% of such cities) received an A.

To score an A, among other actions, a city must disclose publicly through CDP-ICLEI Track, have a city-wide emissions inventory and have published a climate action plan. It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation goal to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. Many A List cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment to tackle climate change.

A List cities are demonstrating their climate leadership through concerted and effective action, just as national governments will be asked to do at COP28. They are taking four times as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities.

York and the other 118 cities on this year’s A List, are also celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action – from ambitious emissions reduction targets to building resilience against climate change – is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities. However, this action needs to go further and faster.

You can find out more about how we are making York a net zero and climate resilient city by visiting https://www.york.gov.uk/ClimateChange.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Joint Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: 

“This recognition is a significant achievement and demonstrates that York is a global leader in climate action. No organisation can deliver impact change of this scale alone. I would like to thank the many partners, community groups and residents that have helped to create our plans and fully share this high recognition.

“A-rated cities like York are demonstrating their climate leadership through concerted and effective action. We are still at the beginning of our journey and there is still lots to be done to ensure we build a sustainable and green city for the benefit of future generations.”

The draft ‘Climate adaptation and resilience report’, recognising the accelerated pace of climate change and the need to make good long-term decisions that safeguard our city for future generations, will be presented at Executive Member Decision Session next week. More information available here: https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=870&MId=14371