It looks like you’re working in USA. Is that right? Yes No
Cities are vital in the transition to a sustainable economy. CDP helps cities disclose their environmental activities, understand their impact and take action.
Home > Cities

Our cities are changing. More than ever, cities around the world are leading the way to building a sustainable economy. But we need to move even faster. Explore our Open Data Portal for more on how cities across the globe are taking environmental action.

CDP provides the global platform for cities to measure, manage and disclose their environmental data. We work with over 500 cities measuring and disclosing environmental data each year to manage emissions, build resilience, protect themselves from climate impacts and create better places for people to live and work. These cities are disclosing over 8,000 urban sustainability actions, demonstrating their commitment to building a sustainable economy and tackling climate change. We are nearing a tipping point in mainstreaming environmental action, and cities are at the heart of this transition.

Highlights

Open data portal

Gain insights on how cities are transitioning to a sustainable economy worldwide, by exploring our extensive datasets, maps and charts.

Cities in action

Discover how cities around the world are taking action on climate change, improving water stewardship and creating better places to live and work.

Why disclose?

Disclosure is the crucial first step for meaningful action. Learn about the multiple benefits of city disclosure and see how the process works.

Cities and water infographic
Water is vital, yet climate change and rising populations are putting pressure on supplies. Learn how cities and companies are collaborating on water governance with this infographic.
Why you? How does CDP help?
The global context The risks The opportunities
1/2
of the world's population live in cities.
80%
of global GDP is generated in cities.
2/3
of the world's energy is consumed by cities.
$140bn
total annual damage on average between 2005 and 2014 as a result of climate change.
"Climate change poses a serious threat to the wealth and wellbeing of our city. Delaying action will be costly, which is why we are taking steps now to ensure we build resilience in Kisumu. CDP is the best initiative on climate change I have seen in a long time because it is focused on practical actions.”  - Kisumu, Kenya
$158tn
worth of assets at risk from climate change by 2050. That's double the total annual output of the global economy.
74%
of disclosing cities see economic opportunities from climate change.
"Participating in CDP cities showed us the importance of managing our carbon footprint as an opportunity to seek more efficient and economic processes financially, socially and environmentally." - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
3.7gt
the amount by which CO2e GHG emissions could be reduced in cities per year by 2030.
Improving measurement Through disclosure What are the benefits
CDP’s standardized reporting platform provides a framework for measuring and tracking risks, hazards, emissions and water use.
"CDP has given us a systematic in-depth [look at the] status of our climate policy. It has enabled us to gather updated information within our city government." - Oslo, Norway
CDP analyzes submitted data so cities can show how their actions are safeguarding citizens and benefiting the economy.
Disclosure helps a city demonstrate how it is acting on climate change and provides data to improve these actions year-on-year.
By sharing a platform used by thousands of businesses, cities can increase collaboration with the private sector, realize their full potential for climate-resilient futures and ensure long-term prosperity.
Cities that are acting and disclosing actions on climate change are better placed to attract investment.
"In San Jose we really like to use data to make decisions, we like to understand what is happening and then make choices. We value the opportunity to collect our own data." - San Jose, USA
Reporting cities don't simply put more data into the market place. They also get extremely high quality data back from CDP.
"Our participation in CDP gave us a platform and opportunity to learn and share best practices across cities in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience." - Singapore

Global Covenant of Mayors

Join the largest cooperative international effort among mayors and city officials to reduce emissions.

The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

C40, connecting 80+ of the world’s greatest cities, focuses on tackling climate change while increasing the well-being and economic opportunities of urban citizens.

City Energy Project

CDP and City Energy Project work to help U.S. cities find local solutions to cut energy consumption, reduce pollution, and make cities healthier and more prosperous.

States and regions initiative
State and regional governments are central to the global effort to tackle climate change and catalyze the transition to sustainable economies.
Start the journey to being a green, sustainable city now by measuring, monitoring and managing your impact on the environment.
Learn more
Start now
Join our mailing list
Need help?

Need help?

Please contact your CDP account manager.

Our cities team

Search and view city responses

Cities program partners