From London to Sydney, Stockholm to Baku, Climate Weeks are rapidly multiplying — and transforming how we think about local‑level climate action.

Cities are taking the lead on climate. And the world is taking notice.

Climate Weeks are gaining momentum — transforming from one-off events into a growing global movement. These city-led, cross-sector gatherings are reshaping how we think about local climate action, connecting grassroots realities with global ambition. 

Each Climate Week brings together businesses, policymakers, researchers and communities to accelerate solutions across energy, transport, education, finance and beyond. Their power lies in collaboration — and in the belief that climate progress sticks best when it’s driven locally and scaled globally.

This June, London Climate Action Week (LCAW) returns for its seventh year with its most ambitious programme yet. Running from 21–29 June, the event spans more than 400 sessions across 10+ city hubs — from Soho and Hackney to Southwark and Hammersmith — spotlighting every facet of the energy transition.

As London positions itself as a clean-energy capital, LCAW reinforces the UK’s climate leadership while demonstrating the critical role cities play in driving systemic change.

And it’s not just London. The Climate Week movement is now international, with flagship events already hosted (or scheduled) in major cities around the world. Here’s a snapshot of the growing global network:

  • Sydney Climate Action Week — held early 2025
  • LA Climate Week & SF Climate Week, USA
  • Shanghai Climate Week
  • DC Climate Week
  • UN Regional Climate Week, Panama
  • On the horizon:

    • London Climate Week – 21-29 June
    • Rio Climate Action Week – 23–29 August
    • Climate Week NYC – 21–28 September
    • Bangkok Climate Action Week – 28 September–4 October
    • Baku Climate Action Week – 29 September–3 October

The UN’s climate change body UNFCCC announced earlier this year it is resuming regular gatherings in the Global South from 2025, after last year’s events were cancelled due to funding shortfalls and a strategic review. Two UN Climate Weeks will now be held each year in different regions.

Panama hosted the first of these for 2025, which took place from 19 to 23 May in Panama City, while the second Climate Week of the year is envisaged to take place just before COP30 (details still to be announced).

Why the energy transition is central

Shifting to clean, affordable, secure energy is vital for meeting global climate goals, and perhaps the most complex challenge of our age. Climate Weeks emphasise this transition by showcasing innovations, policy instruments, financing mechanisms, and community engagement — all essential to decarbonise power systems, homes and transport.

Five of the world’s most climate‑positive cities

Here’s a look at five leading cities blazing trails in urban climate action:

1. Stockholm, Sweden

Pioneer in sustainable heating, waste reduction and biodiversity. Awarded the inaugural European Green Capital in 2010. Steadily reduced per‑capita CO₂ emissions by over 50% since 1990 and aims to be climate‑positive by 2030.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

On target to be the world’s first carbon‑neutral capital by 2025. Emissions have dropped about 75% since 2005, propelled by cycling infrastructure, electric buses and iconic waste‑to‑energy plants like CopenHill.

3. Oslo, Norway

Committed to a 95% GHG reduction since 1990 by 2030. Nearly all public transport is already electrified and its port is moving to zero‑emission shore power.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Top of the Sustainable Cities Index 2024, with a clear roadmap (RIA2030) for carbon neutrality. Notable for its public‑transport innovation, green spaces and progressive policies.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Ranked among the top 10 sustainable cities globally in 2024. It sources over 95% of its electricity from renewables and promotes high‑density urban growth to curb sprawl .

Climate Weeks are lighting a global movement, where cities connect around shared experiences and amplified best practices, to accelerate the energy transition together. As London transforms itself into a clean‑energy incubator this June, it also reinforces a broader, collaborative momentum; and reminds us that big change often happens street by street, city by city — but always with a view of the bigger picture.