Enviro News Asia, New York – Climate Week NYC 2025 officially opened with a strong message: cities are on the frontlines in tackling the climate crisis. Mayors from the C40 Cities network, including those from Freetown, Paris, Montréal, Chicago, and Phoenix, gathered to showcase city leadership in cutting emissions, driving innovation, and protecting communities from the impacts of climate change.
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago highlighted the crucial role of subnational governments. “National governments are indeed the ones negotiating, but the results of those negotiations only matter if they are supported by real action at the city and regional levels,” he said.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE stood out by presenting solutions to extreme heatwaves and stressing the importance of digital innovation in bridging the technology gap. She also pledged support for cities across Africa and the Global South to collectively face climate challenges.
Meanwhile, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo underlined the importance of women’s leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego emphasized that climate action also drives the green economy, creates jobs, and secures a safer future.
The first day concluded with the Climate Leaders Reception, bringing together mayors with leaders from business, government, and civil society. The event aims to build momentum toward COP30 in Belém, demonstrating that city-led climate action is not only possible but also politically popular and economically smart. (*)
