Cities Driving Transformative Change
September 2025
Amid the headwinds of a changing political landscape and with many nations pulling back from international collaboration, sustainable development faces a reckoning. Can we still deliver for people and the planet? Our answer is a resounding yes. In fact, in this environment, cities are even more essential drivers of change. Their innovation, dynamism and ability to deliver for millions of people will blaze a new path for national economies. That path will be a greener path, in part because climate risks are already hitting cities.
In this report, you will see a snapshot of cities adapting to and leading a changing world. From Brazzaville’s first urban forestry plan, to a grand public debate on the future of Bengaluru’s roads, and China’s “low-carbon pilot city” experimenting with more than 100 community demonstration projects. From creating a culture of clean air through creative partnerships, to investments in “green-grey” infrastructure, to accelerating the e-mobility transition and creating the next generation of climate action.
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