Mission Climate Neutral Cities 2030

Viable Cities' mission is Climate Neutral Cities 2030 with a good life for all within the boundaries of the planet. The Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiativeis therefore the biggest thing we are working on. Within the initiative, 23 Swedish cities are working together with several national government agencies and Viable Cities to take the lead in the climate transition. The cities have taken it upon themselves to test new approaches and solutions, to learn from each other and to work towards the mission: to create cities that work well for the people who live in them, that are good for the economy of citizens, businesses and society - and - that are good for the climate. This is not an easy task, nor is there a blueprint for how to do it. Major changes are needed throughout society if we are to meet the climate targets and save the planet. Doing what we have always done is no longer possible, we need to work in completely new ways.

We focus on cities and municipalities because they are in a great position to involve local actors and make decisions within their geographical area. In addition to the municipality, many other actors are important for the local transition journey, such as SSAB in Borlänge or the petroleum industry in Gothenburg. A local mobilization of business, civil society, citizens and universities is needed to achieve the climate and sustainability goals. This is why we talk about cities and not municipalities. Municipalities can lead the work, but all other actors also need to be involved in the mobilization. By bringing cities together to work together and learn from each other, we accelerate the local transition journey.

The Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative is testing new ways of working and new solutions, learning and sharing what we do to speed up the transition journey. The Climate City Contract 2030 tool is the hub of this joint effort. Each city collects its climate and sustainability commitments in the contract, which is revised and signed every year. The six authorities and Viable Cities describe in the contract how we will support the cities' local transition journeys.

In the 23 cities of the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative, countless efforts are underway that contribute to all this. They are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to save energy, to create mobility for all, to engage more people, to govern and lead in new ways. And they are all sharing their experiences to work together to create the new normal: climate-neutral cities by 2030 - with a good life for all, within the limits of the planet.