More Than Half of Cities Turning to Nature to Tackle Climate Impacts

• 55% of cities, states and regions are taking nature-based solutions as climate adaptation measures

• Local governments need US$34 billion for adaptation projects, and US$3 billion for nature-related projects

• 65% of subnational governments identify public health benefits from nature-based solutions, including cleaner air and reduced impacts from extreme weather

London, 20 August 2026 – Cities, states and regions around the world are increasingly tackling climate change and nature losses together, showing that nature-based solutions¹ are becoming a core part of local climate adaptation. That’s according to new analysis from CDP, the world’s leading environmental disclosure system, with data disclosed by subnational governments to CDP-ICLEI Track and CDP’s States and Regions Questionnaire.

As 2026 has already shown - from the routine obliteration of temperature records to the worst wildfires in the history of several European countries, exceptionally low-water levels in the UK, and extreme flooding in India - the impacts of climate change are escalating rapidly, placing unprecedented pressure on local infrastructure, economies and communities.

Nature for People and Places analyses data disclosed in 2025 by 1,005 cities, states and regions across 80 countries and every continent, representing 1.32 billion people. It finds that 55% of cities, states and regions are already implementing at least one nature-based solution - such as ecological restoration, building green infrastructure, or afforestation - while 70% of subnational governments with climate adaptation goals prioritize nature-based solutions.

The report shows that extreme heat, heat stress, urban flooding and heavy rain were the top climate hazards facing subnational governments, and that those taking nature-based solutions are simultaneously protecting communities from climate hazards, strengthening biodiversity and improving public health.

Solutions vary by region and the risks posed by local ecosystems. Local governments in Latin America and Africa focus on ecological restoration, those in Europe and North America prioritize more green infrastructure, while those in Southeast Asia, India and Japan place greater emphasis on afforestation and reforestation.

This nature-based approach to climate hazards is also improving peoples’ health. 65% of subnational governments identify at least one public health co-benefit - such as better air quality, improved physical and mental health, or reduced impacts from extreme weather.

These are having a positive impact on the top health concerns identified by subnational governments (heart-related illnesses, vector-borne infections and diseases, and respiratory diseases), especially for the most at risk in society (identified as the elderly, vulnerable health groups and children).

However, there is a substantial funding gap for realizing climate adaptation projects, with nearly half of cities, states and regions (46%) reporting that budget constraints hinder them. In 2025, subnational governments sought US$33.51 billion for adaptation projects, with US$2.85 billion needed just for nature-related projects.

Katie Walsh, CDP Global Director for Cities, States and Regions, said:

“Climate change and nature loss are not separate issues. As climate impacts intensify, damaged and degraded ecosystems leave communities ever more vulnerable. Cities, states and regions increasingly recognize that protecting nature and tackling climate change are two sides of the same coin.

“Our data shows that this is increasingly moving from ambition to action, with nature-based solutions becoming core adaptation measures rather than optional environmental initiatives. As serious climate action becomes mainstream for cities, states and regions, unlocking the funding they sorely need to achieve this, is an urgent priority for investors and governments.

“Transparent environmental data can help partners identify where that investment is needed and direct capital towards projects capable of delivering solutions for building resilient communities.”

Maryke van Staden, Director of ICLEI's Carbon Climate Center, said:

"There is tremendous potential for synergy between climate action and nature-based solutions. With tighter public budgets, local and other subnational state governments need to be more efficient. They have an opportunity to design and implement win-win approaches for people and place, by exploring integrated climate action - resilience, adaptation and mitigation - in combination with nature, also to protect biodiversity. Green spaces help to cool cites. Green roofs and walls can insulate buildings. The range of actions is vast.

"Reporting to CDP-ICLEI Track, our global reporting platform tracking subnational climate action and investment needs, enables these analyses. We urge decision-makers at all levels of government and in the private sector to better understand options for positive impact by exploring this analysis.

"Stay the course and accelerate the tempo! We are here to support you with this essential work.

Examples of nature-based solutions by subnational governments:

• The City of Porto Alegre’s (Brazil) Nova Ipiranga Urban Consortium Operation is a US$332 million plan to restore the Arroio Dilúvio brook across 1,624 hectares and 16 neighborhoods, combining sanitation, drainage, green-blue infrastructure, public space, mobility, and social housing improvements. The city is also seeking funding for “Rain Gardens”, using existing public infrastructure to capture and manage stormwater during periods of intense rainfall.

• The water-scarce province of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) has a Transformative River Management Program to rehabilitate polluted and flood-prone river corridors, improving water security and community resilience against floods and droughts.

• The Auckland Council (New Zealand) is expanding its urban forest canopy across 16 local boards and planting 11,000 street trees.

• The City of Boulder’s (USA) Cool Boulder campaign saw more than 70 community volunteers collecting temperature and humidity data on one of the year’s hottest days, producing heat maps that guide green infrastructure strategies to cool the city, build climate resilience, and reduce the unhealthy effects of extreme heat.