Data4Cities

Develop, maintain, and manage the data underpinning the GCoM alliance, partnering networks and cities, and highlighting the progress and power of cities. 

We will do this by determining appropriate methodologies, minimum standards, protocols, and policies related to data collection/reporting, verification, analysis, and access. This includes the maintenance, improvement, and continued harmonization of the Common Reporting Framework (CRF), regional adaptation efforts and development of the Energy Access and Energy Poverty Pillar. We will work to establish a harmonized suite of protocols across the GCoM alliance, open access to new and connected sources of city climate data and identify and confirm parameters for validation of city reporting. These efforts will establish a global consistency to city climate data which will allow GCoM to highlight the alliance’s progress, better champion the importance of cities to deliver solutions, and drive significant resources as well as greater collaboration across sectors. The data policy is driven by transparency and open data.

Our workstreams:

  • DataPortal4Cities: The Global Covenant of Mayors’ Data Portal for Cities is an open data platform that helps communities fill critical information gaps by providing estimates of previously unavailable data drawn from national and regional sources.
  • Relaunched GCoM Resource Library: With new features, improved navigation, and the latest insights, accessing trusted data and tools for climate action has never been easier.  What’s new? 9 new endorsed tools to support cities in energy, emissions, and data, refreshed information for 23 existing tools, and streamlined resources for impact. Dive in here.
  • The 2024 Global Covenant of Mayors Impact Report: At COP29, GCoM launched the 2024 Global Covenant of Mayors Impact Report: Banking on Change – Finance for Local Action. This report highlights the incredible potential of cities to lead the fight against climate change. With 13,558 GCoM cities spanning 147 countries and representing 1.2 billion people, the message is clear: Cities are stepping up to reduce emissions, increase resilience, and tackle energy poverty. GCoM’s annual flagship report explores regional climate challenges, innovative financing solutions, and inspiring case studies. It features examples such as Cape Town’s pioneering green bond program, Tashkent’s blended funding initiatives, and Rajkot’s public-private partnership for waste-to-energy transformation.
  • “Unlocking Urban Energy Access and Poverty” Research & Summary Reports: Lacking access to affordable and reliable energy is a clear indication of deprivation in the daily lives of urban residents. Local governments are well aware of the urgency and benefits associated with tackling energy access and poverty. However, they frequently encounter significant and complex barriers that limit their ability to implement interventions or explore innovative solutions. To help local governments ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all, the Global Covenant of Mayors and ARUP recently released the highly anticipated “Unlocking Urban Energy Access and Poverty” research and summary reports, accompanying the Energy Access and Poverty Pillar (EAPP) that the GCoM alliance activated in 2023 as part of its Common Reporting

Access to Data

Google EIE
Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, C40 Cities, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (USA), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (Europe), Ironbark Sustainability, Beyond Zero Emissions, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Climate Alliance

Google Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) is a freely available data and insights tool that uses exclusive data sources and modeling capabilities to help cities and regions measure emissions sources, run analyses, and identify strategies to reduce emissions — creating a foundation for effective action.

DataPortal4Cities
Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayor’s Data Portal for Cities is an open data platform that helps communities fill critical information gaps by providing estimates of previously unavailable data drawn from national and regional sources.

Quality Data

Common Reporting Framework (CRF)

Developed in partnership with the GCoM alliance, the Common Reporting Framework streamlines measurement and reporting procedures, ensure robust climate action planning, implementation and monitoring, and retain the flexibility needed to meet local and regional contexts. Standardized yet flexible reporting that allows for progress tracking provides a springboard for stronger multilevel climate and energy governance – and improved technical and financial support.

Data for Decision Making

Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy & GCoM Alliance
Annual Aggregation Report

Leveraging the public data reported by more than 13,000 cities and local governments around the world, the GCoM Secretariat compiles and publishes an annual aggregation report that highlights the collective progress and potential that cities represent on a global scale.

Arup
Energy Access and Poverty Pillar Toolkit

To help local governments ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all, GCoM and ARUP have released the “Unlocking Urban Energy Access and Poverty” research and summary reports, accompanying the Energy Access and Poverty Pillar (EAPP) that the GCoM alliance activated in 2023. The EAPP is structured across three key attributes: secure, affordable, and sustainable energy. Through the EAPP, the cities & local governments that make up the GCoM alliance have begun tracking progress and taking action on energy access and poverty.

Other initiatives

Page Navigation