Cities around the world face severe climate impacts that threaten economic stability, public health, and community resilience. To address this critical issue, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) has launched the Cities in the Balance campaign, highlighting the urgent need for increased climate finance to support essential city-led climate actions.
Cities need $800 billion in annual public investment by 2030 for climate action. This critical funding is necessary not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to unlock broader economic, social, and environmental benefits. Investing in climate action means creating green jobs, cleaner air, healthier communities, and resilient infrastructure.
Together, mayors and local leaders worldwide are emphasizing that climate finance is foundational for cities to thrive. Without these investments, the stability of every sector hangs in the balance.
Cities Call for Investment
Cities across the globe are joining forces in the Cities in the Balance campaign by sharing their video messages. Explore how city leaders are advocating for climate finance and highlighting the co-benefits of climate action – search for our #CitiesInTheBalance campaign hashtag on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
In the words of our signatory mayors, ‘This is a moment when everything hangs in the balance.’
Join the Movement
You don’t have to be a mayor to show your support! Everyone is invited to participate in the campaign:
- Create your own balance-themed images and videos that underline the importance of climate finance.
- Share your creations on social media by tagging @Mayors4Climate and using the hashtag #CitiesInTheBalance.
Be creative, humorous, and impactful. Your voice helps amplify the critical call for urgent climate investment.
Why $800 Billion?
The call for $800 billion in annual public investment was launched at the U20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where nearly 60 global mayors, including representatives from GCoM, urged national governments and financial institutions to step up urban-focused climate finance. Cities are uniquely positioned to rapidly implement climate solutions that also foster economic growth, equity, and innovation. Public investment of $800 billion annually would meet approximately 20% of the total urban climate finance gap, estimated at $4.3 trillion annually by 2030 (for mitigation alone), catalyzing additional private investment and supporting ambitious climate goals aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Learn more about the rationale behind this figure here.
Campaign Coordination
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy coordinates the Cities in the Balance campaign, mobilizing a global coalition of cities and local governments committed to sustainable, resilient urban futures. Together, we are building momentum and driving essential financial commitments for climate action.
Join us as we advocate for the urgent funding needed to secure sustainable, prosperous cities for generations to come.