This week, London Climate Action Week has focused on the practical solutions needed to protect the people and places we love.
From a reception with His Majesty King Charles III and C40 Co-Chair Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to exploring climate-resilient urban design, experts shared ideas, strengthened partnerships and advanced solutions that can be scaled around the world.
Climate action fit for a King
His Majesty King Charles III met with C40 Cities Co-Chair Mayor of Freetown at a reception focused on accelerating action on super-pollutants ahead of COP31.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the critical, expanding role of city leadership in tackling climate change and improving public health. Their discussion reflected the importance of partnerships between global institutions, national governments and cities in delivering climate action at scale.
King Charles, who has long been an advocate for the environment, learned more about C40 Cities’ work across transport and waste.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr showcased how C40 cities are successfully reducing emissions and improving urban air quality and delivering equality and inclusivity for residents in cities around the world.
Building resilience for a changing climate
At London’s Design Museum, city leaders explored how innovative design, clean construction and nature-based solutions can help create climate-resilient neighbourhoods.
The Mayor of Miami, Eileen Higgins, discussed how cities move beyond pilot projects and scale up solutions that protect communities from growing climate risks:
“There’s not a resident that isn’t affected by the climate crisis, and we have no choice in Miami but to adapt.”
The group highlighted how strong policy leadership and urban planning help transform neighbourhoods into safer, healthier and more resilient places to live.
Honouring the legacy of Nicky Gavron
Last night, city leaders and academics gathered at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) for the inaugural Nicky Gavron Memorial Lecture.
Hosted by C40 Cities and LSE Cities, the annual lecture series honours the life and legacy of Nicky Gavron, the former Deputy Mayor of London and pioneering environmental campaigner and brings forward the stories of transformative female urban leaders.
The keynote address was delivered by Anne Hidalgo, former Mayor of Paris, who reflected on the opportunities and challenges of driving transformative climate action in an era of political polarisation and disinformation.
Former Mayor of Toronto David Miller joined C40 Executive Director Mark Watts and Philipp Rode (LSE) to explore what it means to lead with courage during the climate crisis and how cities can continue to drive progress despite growing global uncertainty.
“Nicky understood that climate action must be rooted in solutions that work for people and this must include engagement with people.” – David Miller
The event served not only as a tribute to Nicky Gavron’s extraordinary contribution to urban climate leadership but also as a reminder that the ideas and values she championed continue to shape cities around the world today.
Looking ahead
As London Climate Action Week continues, the discussions have demonstrated that many of the solutions cities need already exist – the challenge is now scaling them faster, sharing them more widely and ensuring that communities everywhere can benefit from a cleaner, safer and more resilient future.