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A Joint Effort for Local Energy Transition

Sweden is facing a sharp increase in electrification that goes hand in hand with the climate transition. At the same time, grid capacity, peak demand, and long investment horizons risk becoming bottlenecks. Earlier in September, Viable Cities and the City of Lund therefore brought together municipalities, energy companies, government agencies , and other stakeholders to discuss how local energy solutions can be scaled up and contribute to the transition of the national energy system.

Read moreA Joint Effort for Local Energy Transition

Climate, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

Coordinating climate transition, climate adaptation, security, and emergency preparedness is not just beneficial—it is an absolute necessity. By integrating these areas, cities can reduce their overall risk exposure, protect critical infrastructure, and generate significant cost savings. In conjunction with National Emergency Preparedness Week, Viable Cities is now publishing an overview of the topic.

Read moreClimate, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

Every tenth of a degree counts

Global warming will exceed 1.5 degrees, likely within the next few years, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Viable Cities comments on the report: The focus now is on limiting the extent of the excess, how long it lasts, and how quickly we can reverse the trend.

Read moreEvery tenth of a degree counts

Green Travel Plans – The Path to Sustainable Daily Commuting

Most of the trips we take are short and routine. To work. To school. To the gym. When more people walk, bike, or take public transportation, everyone in society benefits: people, employers, society—and the planet. Green travel plans are an approach that makes it easier for more people to travel sustainably in their daily lives. Today, we’re launching a comprehensive resource on our website that makes it easy to get started.

Read moreGreen Travel Plans – The Path to Sustainable Daily Commuting
Multi-level governance

Sustainable urban development needs to be included in the EU's research programs

The EU is currently working on drafting its next Framework Program for Research and Innovation, FP10, which will run from 2028 to 2034. IQ Samhällsbyggnad and Viable Cities, together with other Swedish strategic innovation programs and stakeholders in the urban development sector, are now urging the government to advocate for a European initiative on sustainable urban development and urban transition.
The EU is currently working on designing its next framework program for research and innovation, FP10, which will run from 2028 to 2034.

Read moreSustainable urban development needs to be included in the EU's research programs
Viable Cities International cooperation

From Brussels to Nairobi – a united effort for the climate in June

The climate transition in cities is underway all over the world. Viable Cities’ international engagement is focused both on bringing insights back to Sweden and on sharing our own. In the near future, we will participate in the Driving Urban Transitions conference in Brussels, the sustainability conference in Hamburg, and the Innovate4Cities conference, which is being held in Africa—specifically in Kenya—for the first time.

Read moreFrom Brussels to Nairobi – a united effort for the climate in June
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When politics fails, the local community steps up

Cities are taking decisive steps to accelerate the climate transition. As national and international climate policies falter, are dismantled, or are directly opposed, cities around the world—in Europe and Sweden—are stepping up. Olga Kordas, program director at Viable Cities, describes this trend in an interview with Dagens Industri and notes that it is in our local communities where hope for the future lives on.

Read moreWhen politics fails, the local community steps up
Viable Cities Civic engagement in the city

Debate: Voters are willing, but the political will is lacking

The government is presenting its spring budget without one of the most thoroughly studied and equitable policy tools for reducing emissions from the transportation sector—the mode-neutral travel deduction. This is a reform that the Riksdag has already approved, according to representatives from Viable Cities, the 2030 Secretariat, Shift Sweden, and others in an op-ed in Dagens Industri. 

Read moreDebate: Voters are willing, but the political will is lacking

Halfway there – a renewed push for fossil-free solutions in the construction sector

Cut emissions in half! Fossil-Free Sweden and Viable Cities are today joining forces to work together to ensure that public procurement drives demand for fossil-free and climate-neutral solutions in the construction and civil engineering sector. Even today, emissions from new construction can be cut in half.

Read moreHalfway there – a renewed push for fossil-free solutions in the construction sector

New Perspective from Viable Cities: EnergyNet and the Local Energy Systems of the Future

Viable Cities has now published a new report that highlights how local energy systems can become a key building block in the climate-neutral cities of the future. The report, *EnergyNet and the Future of Local Energy Systems*, describes EnergyNet as a potential system architecture for a more robust, cost-effective, and flexible energy system.

Read moreNew Perspective from Viable Cities: EnergyNet and the Local Energy Systems of the Future
A Climate Breakfast logo written in white text on a purple circle with a green background plate.

Climate Breakfast 45 – Carbon Storage for Climate-Neutral Cities

In October 2024, Valencia was hit by a flooding disaster of enormous proportions, resulting in the loss of more than 200 lives and extensive material damage - with knock-on effects throughout the community. This climate-related disaster has become a wake-up call, and important work is now underway in Spain to future-proof cities and regions by integrating both risk management and climate adaptation measures

Read moreClimate Breakfast 45 – Carbon Storage for Climate-Neutral Cities

A win for both the cash register and the climate as Östersund invests heavily in recycling

Östersund Municipality is now very close to becoming a fossil fuel-free municipal organization. All passenger cars except one run on fossil-free fuel, heavy vehicles and work machines run on HVO, biogas or electricity, and all oil boilers have been replaced. You can read more about this in the status report.

Read moreA win for both the cash register and the climate as Östersund invests heavily in recycling
Binoculars that look upward

New call for proposals for faster climate transition through collective action

Today, Viable Cities is launching a call for proposals that complements the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative, which currently involves 48 cities.
"It is through the power of many that we can truly elevate cities' ability to accelerate climate transition to the next level," says Olga Kordas, program manager for Viable Cities.

Read moreNew call for proposals for faster climate transition through collective action

From Västerslätt to COP30 – Umeå mobilizes on a broad front

"Umeå is now stepping up its climate efforts in earnest. Through major investments, strong political leadership, and close cooperation across the entire municipal group, we are taking important steps toward a climate-neutral Umeå," says Mikael Brändström, Development Director, Umeå Municipality. You can read more about the mobilization in Umeå Municipality in their status report.

Read moreFrom Västerslätt to COP30 – Umeå mobilizes on a broad front

New climate fund and celebrated successes broaden engagement in Linköping

Linköping Municipality is working hard to get all local stakeholders on board with the climate transition journey. Mayor Mikael Sanfridson is proud: "The business community, civil society, the university, and our young people—everyone is involved." Read more about how Linköping is working on—and celebrating—its climate efforts in the status report.

Read moreNew climate fund and celebrated successes broaden engagement in Linköping

Climate gains in Håbo through renovation instead of new construction

"We are taking responsibility for climate change in Håbo. Through fossil-free procurement, a new climate and energy plan, and a transition team, we are showing that we mean business." So says Catherine Öhrqvist (M), Chairman the Municipal Council Chairman Håbo Municipality. In the status report, process leader Nina Aldén tells us more about the work being done on climate change.

Read moreClimate gains in Håbo through renovation instead of new construction

Climate crisis and Climate Roadmap on the agenda in Trollhättan

"We are particularly proud that, at the end of 2024, we adopted our group-wide Climate Roadmap, which identifies eleven priority areas where we need to act together. The roadmap is our compass, and Climate Neutral Cities 2030 gives us the strength and support we need to put it into practice." This is what Peter Eriksson, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Trollhättan, has to say about climate transition work. Read more in the status report!

Read moreClimate crisis and Climate Roadmap on the agenda in Trollhättan

Research strengthens climate work in Karlskrona

The climate transition in Karlskrona Municipality is being carried out in close collaboration with Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH). "With BTH's support, we are able to adopt a strategic and systematic approach that can inspire other cities to seek help from academia in order to achieve the greatest possible impact in the transition. This strengthens the quality of our climate work," writes process leader Linda Nilsson in the status report.

Read moreResearch strengthens climate work in Karlskrona

Uppsala: Climate budget aims for climate neutrality by 2030

Uppsala Municipality has been involved in the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative since its inception and has joined forces with many partners in the local climate transition journey. In the status report, they describe collaborations with Region Uppsala, Vattenfall, Fossil Free Sweden, SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and many more.

Read moreUppsala: Climate budget aims for climate neutrality by 2030

101 measures for a climate-neutral Höör

"We in Höör Municipality have compiled 101 measures relating to our own activities, aimed at building up knowledge and methods to strengthen our climate and sustainability work in the coming years," says Magnus Haara, Vice Chairman of the Municipal Council Chairman Höör. It is a range of measures relating to, among other things, the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Read more in the status report.

Read more101 measures for a climate-neutral Höör

Green industry and larvae in year-round cultivation in Boden

The municipality of Boden is a clear example of how climate change is happening at all levels simultaneously, from local to global. Here, Stegra is building the world's first large-scale green steelworks, and here, data servers provide heat that enables year-round cultivation in the northern climate. You can read about this and much more in the status report from Boden.

Read moreGreen industry and larvae in year-round cultivation in Boden

Neighborhood workshops for sustainability and local community in Avesta

Avesta Municipality is one of the municipalities that joined the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative a year ago. It is joining forces with Borlänge Municipality and the entire Dalarna region, as well as with the local business community, to accelerate the transition. In the research project "Sustainable Avesta," neighborhoods in Avesta, Krylbo, and By are realizing their ideas for both sustainability and local community. Read more in the status report.

Read moreNeighborhood workshops for sustainability and local community in Avesta

Winter cycling and climate detectives in Sundsvall

Climate change requires small and large efforts in all areas of society. Preschool children in Sundsvall municipality get to meet Smaskis to be inspired to adopt sustainable eating habits, and cyclists are encouraged to cycle all year round. The municipality is also working to ensure that the digital transformation goes hand in hand with climate change. Read more about the local transition journey in Sundsvall on the blog.

Read moreWinter cycling and climate detectives in Sundsvall

Sportbanken and Piffl lockers promote reuse and health in Höganäs

An important part of the climate transition in Höganäs municipality is promoting circular consumption and sustainable lifestyles among citizens. And they are happy to do so. The annual Food and Summer Festival is a sustainable event, and thousands of games have been facilitated with loans from Sportbanken and Piffl lockers. Read more about the city's transition journey on our blog, where process leader Fredrik Seger tells you more.

Read moreSportbanken and Piffl lockers promote reuse and health in Höganäs

The monk model guides Tomelilla's climate transition

Kate Raworth and the monk model play a central role in the climate transition work in Tomelilla Municipality. Through the project ‘Foresight through the monk model’, residents are involved in exploring future scenarios. For example, children and parents have jointly created a place for community and conversation in connection with Kastanjeskolan school. Read more about this – and about the importance of grey beans in the transition – on our blog.

Read moreThe monk model guides Tomelilla's climate transition

Political consensus for climate mobilization in Alvesta

Broad political support for climate commitments has been important for Alvesta Municipality. They are one of the 25 municipalities that joined the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative almost a year ago. During the year, they have formulated the municipality's goals and ambitions in terms of energy, climate transition, and climate adaptation. And when the decision was made in the municipal council, positive comments were heard from all political parties. "This bodes well for the work on climate action plans," writes process leader Ebba Lejeby.

Read morePolitical consensus for climate mobilization in Alvesta

Climate Hope Meeting and Café Planet engage in Eskilstuna

civil society citizens are central to the local transition journey in Eskilstuna Municipality. The Climate Hope Meeting, Knowledge Festival, World Environment Day, Litter Pick-up Days, Mobility Week, and Earth Hour—every year, a series of events are organized to increase engagement and awareness of environmental and climate issues. Now they are planning for even more citizen involvement and dialogue for a just transition, writes Elin Svanström, process leader for Climate Neutral Eskilstuna 2030.

Read moreClimate Hope Meeting and Café Planet engage in Eskilstuna

“Knalle-anda” fuels the climate transition in Borås

"Borås City is a hub for creativity, innovative design, street art, e-commerce, and world-leading research in textiles. Borås also boasts magnificent nature, top-class sporting experiences, and a thriving business. And, not least, an entrepreneurial spirit that thinks outside the box, a "can-do" attitude that is constantly moving forward, and residents who are proud of their city." You can read about what this means for climate change in their status report.

Read more“Knalle-anda” fuels the climate transition in Borås

Research Council supports climate work in Växjö

How can we make the transition as quickly as possible? Växjö Municipality is enlisting the help of researchers from Linnaeus University to find out what the city needs to focus on in order to speed up the climate transition. In 2025, the Climate Council published its first report with recommendations. You can read about this and much more in the status report from Climate Neutral Växjö 2030.

Read moreResearch Council supports climate work in Växjö

Volvo, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and the municipality are working toward a climate-neutral Arvika

The importance of mobilizing for climate change together with many actors is central to Arvika Municipality. "There is a strong interest in participating and contributing to the development of Arvika's climate arena. The actors involved all see the need for social development based on long-term sustainability," write the process leaders for Climate-Neutral Arvika 2030 in their status report.

Read moreVolvo, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and the municipality are working toward a climate-neutral Arvika
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Viable Cities is a strategic innovation program with the mission of achieving climate-neutral cities by 2030, ensuring a good quality of life for all within the planet’s limits. The program is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova and Formas and coordinated by KTH.

Viable Cities is funded through a joint initiative by the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova, and Formas

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