---
title: Strengthening the Asian City Climate Project Pipeline
description: "Discover best practice and knowledge on climate finance access and implementation for cities in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, based on 2024 activities."
locale: zh
canonical: https://www.cdp.net/zh/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline
contentType: insightPage
updatedAt: 2025-02-18T15:52:15.929Z
---
This resource guide provides best practice and knowledge on climate finance access and implementation for cities in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, based on 2024 activities.
This guide includes:
- [An overview of the climate finance landscape in the APAC region](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#climate-finance-landscape-in-apac-overview);
- [Benefits and guidance for disclosing climate projects in need of financing and/or funding](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#disclosing-sustainable-infrastructure-projects); and
- [Best practice guidance and resources from the APAC region](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#best-practice-guidance-and-resources).
### Background
The APAC region is highly vulnerable to climate change, with 80% of its population in areas prone to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and water scarcity. By 2050, regional GDP could decline by up to 3.3%, with South and Southeast Asia facing losses of 1.8% to 6.6%, and the region accounting for 40% of global climate-related economic damage [[1]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes). It’s estimated that the **potential losses to regional GDP caused by climate hazards could reach US$953 billion under the 1.5°C global temperature rise scenario**, and US$980 billion under the 2°C scenario [[2]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
**By 2050,** **rising sea levels are expected to disrupt low-lying Pacific islands and threaten megacities like Mumbai, Dhaka, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Shanghai, with risks of submersion.** Over 10 million people in the APAC region may migrate due to climate impacts, straining urban services in vulnerable areas [[3]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
**The APAC region also faces severe climate impacts, **with agricultural losses projected at US$22 billion annually and over 600 million coastal residents becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding and sea-level rises. By 2030, US$41 billion annually is needed for infrastructure adaptation to strengthen climate resilience in high-risk cities like Mumbai, Jakarta, and Manila. Investment in green infrastructure, such as flood management and urban cooling systems, is essential, alongside policies addressing climate-induced migration – particularly for vulnerable small island nations.
APAC cities need to enhance their climate ambitions to help limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030. Of 142 cities reporting GHG emissions targets in 2023, **only 20 have committed to achieving net-zero between 2026 and 2050**, underscoring significant gaps in achieving long-term carbon neutrality [[4]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
## The climate finance landscape in APAC: overview
Across Asia and the Pacific, an estimated US$2 trillion in annual investment is needed to meet NDC targets for 2022 to 2030. This **demand for investment far exceeds the annual global climate finance** of US$1.27 trillion for 2021 to 2022 [[5]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
**Current climate finance represents only 1% of global GDP**, while some estimates for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) suggest that **specific countries might have to allocate around 6.5% of their GDP by 2030** [[6]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
Emerging and developing Asia will need at least US$1.1 trillion annually for climate mitigation and adaptation investments. Actual investment falls short by US$800 billion. Under an optimal scenario for carbon reduction, EMDEs here would need more than US$1.1 trillion per year to finance investments in both climate change mitigation and adaptation [[7]](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/strengthening-the-asian-city-climate-project-pipeline#footnotes).
## APAC pipeline of city climate projects 2024: key findings
Our regional pipeline of city climate projects provides actionable insights on urban investment needs and priorities across the APAC region. It offers valuable information on the types of projects that cities here are seeking to advance for climate action, as well as key areas for private and public investment, and regional and sector needs.
**In 2024, 188 APAC cities disclosed through CDP-ICLEI Track **– see the key takeaways below:
### 123
**cities disclosed 262 climate projects worth US$34.6 billion, **seeking US$12.7 billion in investment for these.
These cities spanned 16 countries.
### 51
**new cities **reported 82 projects, primarily in **Thailand and Australia**.
### 48%
**of total reported projects are at an** **early stage of development **(ie they’ve not yet reached the structuring phase).
Many are potentially eligible for preparation support to advance towards implementation.
### South Asia
is **where demand for preparation support is most evident **(at a subregional level).
62% of early-stage projects (79 projects) were reported by cities here.
### 35%
**of projects are relatively small-scale** at less than US$500,000 (out of the 167 projects with cost estimates).
These were largely disclosed by small- and medium size cities, highlighting **the need to mainstream aggregation strategies with the support from national governments**.
### 81%
**projects (212) are seeking financing or funding **(out of the 259 projects with a reported financing status).
Nearly half of these projects (47%)** **–** **mainly from Southeast Asia** **– have yet to secure any financing.
Meanwhile, the **renewable energy and waste management sectors have the most reported projects, **with 50 projects each. The renewable energy sector reportedly requires US$3.3 billion in total investment, while the waste management sector needs US$703 million. Meanwhile, the transport sector has 39 projects seeking a total of US$3.2 billion.
Read our [APAC City Climate Finance Snapshot 2022](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/financing-for-sustainable-infrastructure-a-guide-for-asia-pacific-cities) and [Global Infrastructure Snapshot 2023](https://www.cdp.net/en/insights/accelerating-climate-finance-in-cities-a-global-snapshot-of-opportunities-and-needs).
## Disclosing sustainable infrastructure projects through CDP-ICLEI Track
Data from CDP-ICLEI Track shows that while cities’ demand for climate finance is increasing year on year, **cities around the world continue to struggle to finance their climate actions and infrastructure projects.**
As the main provider of data for financial institutions, **CDP allows cities to disclose their climate infrastructure projects for which they are seeking funding or financing** through question 9.3 in the CDP-ICLEI Track Questionnaire. The question is 90% aligned with the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance’s (CCFLA) Harmonized Application Form for Technical Assistance* *and the Gap Fund Expression of Interest (EoL) form – this ensures that CDP’s data is valuable for key Project Preparation facilities (ie organizations that support cities in preparing investment-ready projects).
**Project disclosure gives cities:**
- A platform to showcase project support and investment needs;
- Access to learning and networking opportunities; and
- Opportunities to influence advocacy and policy.
In 2024, CDP integrated the opportunity to report projects into questions 9.1 or 9.2 of our questionnaire, whether it is related to an adaptation or mitigation action. **Identifying the link between a mitigation or adaptation action and a specific project can help jurisdictions identify a clear action plan for investment or budgeting. **It also provides vital context to data users on the link between a jurisdiction’s targets, actions, and investable projects.
Learn more about [how project disclosure can help your city](https://cdn.cdp.net/cdp-production/comfy/cms/files/files/000/007/759/original/Sustainable_infrastructure_project_disclosure_one-pager.pdf).
## Bank of America (BofA) and CDP capacity-building: 2024 program summary
In 2024, CDP conducted a capacity-building program supported by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to help local government representatives build their knowledge and understanding of data gaps in the implementation and financing of climate adaptation and resilience action.
This program is the latest in four years of capacity-building activities between both parties.
**The 2024 program consisted of: **
- Training workshops for selected cities with city climate finance expert speakers;
- Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange between cities; and
- The exchange of resources and opportunities for city climate finance.
### Key learnings
CDP focused on bridging the climate resilience implementation gap in Asian cities.
**We conducted a series of five workshops with the objective of: **
- Enhancing urban resilience;
- Increasing the quality and quantity of sustainable infrastructure projects reported by Asian cities;
- Bridging implementation and financing gaps, to help prepare projects for funding;
- Strengthening the project pipeline of climate-smart urban projects, to ensure eligible projects could be linked to potential technical assistance;
- Disseminating knowledge resources and best practices among participating cities, to foster regional cooperation and shared learning (in order to accelerate climate action); and
- Building capacity for financial viability, with city officials gaining insights and skills to improve access to technical assistance (that in turn advance project-to-project implementation).
The workshops featured a diverse group of speakers working on issues related to climate change adaptation, such as the private sector, NGOs, project preparation facilities, and other local authorities:
### 1. ICLEI: Transformative Action Program (TAP) Pipeline
The [Transformative Action Program](https://tap-potential.org/) (TAP) by ICLEI supports local and subnational governments in developing robust, bankable projects for sustainable development.
**To be eligible, projects must:**
- Be submitted by local or subnational governments;
- Address climate change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Have a transformative impact; and
- Have a level of maturity.
**A good TAP application should:**
- Quantify climate benefits (if possible);
- Prove political buy-in;
- Demonstrate alignment with local, national and international goals;
- Use a holistic approach;
- List and quantify co-benefits;
- Explain scalability/replicability potential;
- List potential risks and the mitigation plan;
- Use references such as studies, previous support or projects; and
- Demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement.
To apply, cities can either download the application form from TAP’s website and submit this with the necessary documentation, or submit via the CDP-ICLEI Track platform by disclosing climate-related projects in question 9.3.
### 2. City Climate Finance Gap Fund and Developing Eligible Expression of Interest (EOI)
The City Climate Finance Gap Fund (or simply, Gap Fund) is a global initiative managed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Gap Fund assists developing cities and emerging countries to transform their low-carbon, climate-resilient ideas into finance-ready projects.
To be eligible for Gap Fund support, projects must be from countries eligible for OECD development assistance. Proposals must demonstrate local government ownership and commitment as well as climate and urban focus.
**Eligible sectors include:**
- Sustainable urban mobility;
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy;
- Water and waste management;
- Greening urban areas;
- Nature-based solutions;
- Solid waste management and circular economy;
- Green buildings;
- Affordable housing;
- Adaptation to climate risk; and
- Multi-sector, area-based investment programs.
The GAP Fund does not finance the implementation of projects but instead assists with project preparation. Therefore, it is important for cities to clearly state the technical assistance that the project needs, the project’s economic and environmental, and how the project aligns with national and sub-national policies.
Additionally, cities can also submit a joint application if there are other cities interested in receiving technical assistance in project preparation.
Cities and local authorities can check their eligibility and submit their Expression of Interest form [via the Gap Fund website](https://www.citygapfund.org/apply-for-support).
[*Open large version of graphic*](https://images.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/6p1D1tHV80bJ8lTj1yp9vK/c279b7a7c3435ea82418cff8d6de8f76/Application_Process.png)
### 3. World Resource Institute (WRI) India
The WRI Climate Project Preparation Facility (CPPF) is a national platform designed to support city-level climate action projects in India by facilitating feasibility assessments and securing appropriate funding. Its primary objective is to address the critical funding gap in early-stage project preparation for climate-focused urban infrastructure initiatives. By providing technical support, CPPF helps cities develop bankable mitigation, adaptation, and resilience projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other financial instruments, thereby attracting private capital and improving access to climate finance.
### 4. C40 Cities Climate Finance Facility
The C40 Cities Climate Finance Facility (CFF) supports cities in developing and financing sustainable infrastructure projects by providing technical assistance and capacity-building resources. It plays a key role in strengthening Project Preparation Facilities (PPFs), helping cities move projects from concept to bankability. By bridging the gap between city governments and financial institutions, CFF ensures that climate-friendly projects, particularly in transportation, energy, and adaptation, are well-prepared to attract funding and deliver long-term environmental and social benefits.
## Best practice guidance and resources for APAC cities
### Key barriers and solutions to accessing climate finance for cities
**Barrier**
**Solution**
Insufficient awareness and understanding of climate change impacts and responses at the local level
Build sustainable climate change expertise through training-of-trainers (TOT) programs, to ensure knowledge retention and dissemination
Low capacity to prepare and pitch bankable projects** **
Institutionalize capacity-building programs that provide a structured and ongoing approach to developing these skills
Complicated processes and poor coordination
Enhance interdepartmental coordination at the city level to streamline climate finance processes
Limited support for local implementation of national goals
Establish stronger institutional frameworks to support local-level alignment with national climate policies
Unclear regulations governing climate finance
Offer targeted training programs to build knowledge of regulatory processes and compliance requirements
Lack of access to structured support for project preparation at the national level
Create Project Preparation Facilities (PPFs) anchored in national institutions to provide technical assistance for project development
Limited knowledge of climate finance mechanisms
Localize climate finance information plus establish dedicated liaison officers at local, regional, and national levels
Limited political autonomy
Introduce legal reforms to enhance decentralization and empower local governments
Indirect access to finance
Promote a multilevel governance approach to ensure direct access to funding at the subnational level
Weak enabling framework conditions
Strengthen enabling environments through legal, policy, and institutional reforms
Cities lack the skills to develop project concept notes for financing
Strengthen municipal capacities for project identification and concept note development
Lack of expertise in climate impact assessments, climate action planning, and project identification
Provide targeted technical training and workshops to build these skills
Cities operate in isolation, missing opportunities to learn from each other
Foster inter-city networks and partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange and best practices
Poor inter-ministerial coordination
Establish mechanisms for better communication and coordination among sectors and government levels
Complex legal and regulatory environments
Simplify regulatory requirements and conduct capacity-building programs to help cities navigate them
Lack of expertise in engaging with funders
Train cities on building partnerships and pitching projects to climate finance providers
Many city projects are too small to attract significant investment
Aggregate small-scale projects into larger, bankable programs to appeal to funders
Resistance to change
Develop targeted communication strategies to improve awareness and education on climate science and its implications
### Project Preparation Process
Project Preparation is the process of defining, studying, refining, and developing an infrastructure project concept to the point that it becomes bankable, raising implementation financing from public or private sources.
The process involves the following steps:
[*Open large version of graphic*](https://images.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/65W39Owl6d7PaydwezDvqF/e676833ff9ffa7beaa9b4db3c0a2a756/Project_Preparation_Process.png)
Furthermore, [Project Preparation Facilities (PPFs)](https://citiesclimatefinance.org/action-groups/project-preparation/) can simplify the process by providing precise support. PPFs are organizations that support cities in developing investment ready projects. See our resources below to learn more about PPFs available to APAC cities.
### Project finance: sources and instruments
Project finance may come from a variety of sources, the main ones being equity, debt, and government grants. Financing from these sources has important implications on a project's overall cost, cash flow, ultimate liability, and claims to project incomes and assets.
**[*Open large version of graphic*](https://images.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/UU8v22eWtNtPsIzfpmEA5/fca24deaa506dc32ee1b5cd87b396c40/Project_Finance_sources_-_transparent.png)
Selecting an adequate instrument and/or finance provider will depend on the type of asset recycling project, as well as the type of concessionaire/private partner selected. To learn more about the financial instrument for urban climate projects, please refer to the [CCLFA Financial Instrument Toolkit](https://citiesclimatefinance.org/financial-instruments/#:~:text=This%20toolkit%20showcases%20potential%20financial,available%20for%20urban%20climate%20projects.).
## Country-specific guidance
## Case studies
## Other useful resources for cities
- [Guidance Note on the TCFD Recommendations for City, State, and Regional Governments – CDP](https://cdn.cdp.net/cdp-production/cms/guidance_docs/pdfs/000/003/675/original/Guidance_Note_on_the_TCFD_Recommendations_for_City__State__and_Regional_Governments.pdf?1654000718)
- [Finance and Funding for Local and Regional Climate Action – CDP](https://www.cdp.net/en/finance-and-funding-for-local-and-regional-climate-action)
- [Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Guide – CDP](https://assets.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/4gdzb44IMLGzDftdAKhfxr/669e44476c1bfb35dd6a3d87f3093854/CDP_CRVA_Training_Guide_for_Cities.pdf)
- [Climate change adaptation and resilience planning – CDP](https://cdn.cdp.net/cdp-production/comfy/cms/files/files/000/008/083/original/Climate_Change_Adaptation_and_Resilience_Planning_Programme_Summary_V2_REV3_230523.pdf)
- [About the Adaptation Fund – Adaptation Fund](https://www.adaptation-fund.org/about/)
- [Apply for Funding – Adaptation Fund](https://www.adaptation-fund.org/apply-funding/)
- [Project Preparation Resource Directory – CCFLA](https://citiesclimatefinance.org/project-preparation-resource-directory?search=APAC)
- [C40 Cities – City Academy on Finance and Equity Workbook](https://c40cff.org/knowledge-library/city-academy-on-finance-and-equity-cafe-workbook)
- [Apply for C40 CFF](https://c40cff.org/apply)
## Footnotes
1. [Adaptation Committee launches regional work to prepare ground for new era of strengthening climate resilience](https://unfccc.int/news/adaptation-committee-launches-regional-work-to-prepare-ground-for-new-era-of-strengthening-climate-resilience) - UNFCCC (22 September, 2023)
2. [A disaster emergency is underway in Asia and the Pacific as risks outpace resilience, warns new UN study [Press Release]](https://www.unescap.org/news/disaster-emergency-underway-asia-and-pacific-risks-outpace-resilience-warns-new-un-study) - UNESCAP (25 July, 2023)
3. [100 Climate Actions from Cities in Asia and the Pacific](https://www.adb.org/publications/100-climate-actions-cities-asia-pacific) - ADB (2021)
4. [2023 Highlights presentation](https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/2023_Highlights_presentation.pdf) - UNFCCC (2023)
5. [Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024: Catalyzing Finance and Policy Solutions](https://www.adb.org/publications/asia-pacific-climate-report-2024) - ADB (2024)
6. [Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2024: Insights for COP29](https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Global-Landscape-of-Climate-Finance-2024.pdf) - CPI (2024)
7. [Unlocking Climate Finance in Asia-Pacific: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Departmental-Papers-Policy-Papers/Issues/2024/01/29/Unlocking-Climate-Finance-in-Asia-Pacific-Transitioning-to-a-Sustainable-Future-541458) - IMF (2024)