Leeds named top global city leading way on climate action

Leeds City Council has been recognised as one of 122 city authorities across the world leading the way on climate action in a new list published by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Leeds now ranks as an ‘A’ grade city joining the likes of New York, Paris, Melbourne, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Cape Town. Of more than 1,000 global cities that received a rating this year only 12 per cent received an ‘A’ grade.

To score an ‘A’, among other actions, a city must publicly disclose their submission, have a city-wide emissions inventory, and have published plans for climate action. It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a plan for climate adaptation to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards.

Cllr Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “I am delighted at the news that Leeds has been recognised as a global leader in local climate action.

“Since declaring a climate emergency, councillors and officers have worked hard to put climate change at the heart of the council’s work and so I am proud of the fact that we have now earned international recognition.

“We’ve made a great start since Leeds declared a climate emergency, but of course there is still so much left to do. This council will continue taking bold action to improve the lives of residents now whilst ensuring that we do everything we can to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and prepare our city for the future.”

In 2019, councillors from all parties in Leeds voted to declare a ‘climate emergency’ and work towards achieving citywide net zero emissions by 2030.

Local climate action which contributed to the city’s A grade included plans to invest £100m of green upgrades for social housing, £270m of public and active transport improvements including the UK’s first solar-powered park and ride service, £49m low carbon Leeds PIPES district heating network, a £29m public building decarbonisation programme, and more than £160m of flood alleviation measures.

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