Posted on November, 06 2024

The OPCC was designed to highlight leading examples of climate mitigation and adaptation from cities around the world. The global winners were selected after evaluation by a high-level jury of urban experts from a wide range of organizations including C40, World Economic Forum, Global Covenant of Mayors, World Bank and ICLEI.  

Over 900 cities from 70 countries have accepted the challenge thus far with a breaking number of 359 cities this year alone. The projected annual emission reductions based on this year’s reporting is 160 million tonnes CO2eq. Istanbul and Sunderland were the frontrunners based on the evaluation of their reported climate data compared to other participating cities. 

“In a world full of many difficult challenges, it is really inspiring to witness the results of cities in action, and their extraordinary potential to reverse negative trends,” said Kristen Schuit, Director General, WWF International. “Thanks to ambitious climate leadership and determination, Istanbul and Sunderland have become stellar examples of cities that aim to create more sustainable places for us to live and thrive – while striving to respect the ecological boundaries of our planet.”

OPCC cities globally are showing the world what can be achieved in sustainability at a time when that goal has never been more critical. As global winners, Istanbul and Sunderland, are inspirations to other cities to commit to meaningful and ambitious climate action.

The cities were measured against rigorous criteria that included: ambitious climate targets, bold leadership, ability to meet upcoming challenges, and a holistic climate action plan that is well balanced towards their goals. 

The jury was impressed by Sunderland's ambitious, multi-dimensional, and well-balanced approach to climate action, across all sectors. The city's comprehensive Climate Action Plan sets a target for carbon neutrality by 2040 and includes seven strategic priorities covering items such as green infrastructure, climate resilience, flood risk management, and data-enabled mitigation. The innovative “Shadow Board” highlights inclusive decision-making and offers a model for other cities to replicate.

The unique challenges posed by Istanbul's metropolitan structure and complex political context, while also facing an influx of political refugees, was noted by the jury. The city was commended for effectively leveraging international support to benefit its residents and the environment. Its climate action plan addresses both mitigation and adaptation, focusing on energy demand, efficiency, and transportation, and showcases initiatives aimed at "building back better". 

Professor David Simon, a long-time member of the OPCC high-level jury presented the awards to the winning cities who were acknowledged in conjunction with the World Urban Forum in Cairo last week.  
 
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For more information, please contact:  
Barbara Evaeus, Global Communications Manager, WWF Cities
Tel: +46 70 3939030, Email: barbara.evaeus@wwf.se  
 
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Additional Information for editors.  
The OPCC Jury 
Our jury of experts comes from a diverse range of organizations, backgrounds and geographic settings. It includes representatives of both the Asian and African Development Banks, as well as World Economic Forum. The city coalitions are also well represented through C40, CDP, ICLEI and the Global Covenant of Mayors among others.  The full jury list can be found here.
 
Cities & Climate Change 
Generating 80% of global GDP, cities are responsible for 70% of CO2 emissions and 75% of natural resource consumption. Cities are places of challenge and change, but also testing grounds for innovative new ideas. The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report on climate change named cities as one of the forefronts of climate action. The report stated that integrated and inclusive planning can not only improve climate resilience, it can go as far as improving the health and well-being of marginalized and vulnerable communities. 
 
About WWF 
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. 
 
About One Planet City Challenge 
The One Planet City Challenge is an initiative designed by WWF to mobilize action and support from cities in the global transition towards a 1.5 °C planet. It also aims to stimulate the development and dissemination of best practices for climate mitigation and adaptation. 

• More than 900 cities from 70 countries have participated in the OPCC since its inception in 2011  
• OPCC winning cities set ambitious goals in line with the Paris climate agreement, charting the course for other cities globally 
• Participants receive a customized Strategic Feedback Report that identifies gaps and opportunities, guiding cities toward accelerated climate action

About We Love Cities 
We Love Cities is a public engagement campaign that allows people across the world to express support for low carbon urban development by voting for their favorite finalists from WWFs One Planet City Challenge and posting improvement suggestions for these cities.