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This study establishes the City Climate Policy Assessment Framework, drawing from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s City Clean Energy Scorecard and an analysis of 12 sample cities in China and abroad. The framework evaluates city climate policies across seven key areas: community-wide initiatives, building policy, transportation policy, energy and water utilities, waste management, local government operations, and green finance. By filling gaps in city-level climate policy assessments, it aims to provide valuable references and lessons to support cities in formulating more comprehensive and effective climate strategies. Ultimately, the framework serves as a tool to help cities assess their climate policies, identify areas for improvement, and adopt best practices in climate governance.

Key Findings

  • Cities play a crucial role in achieving climate goals, as they are major contributors to energy-related carbon emissions. Many Chinese cities, especially low-carbon pilot cities, aim to peak carbon emissions before 2030, but pathways to carbon neutrality remain unclear.
  • While cities have comprehensive policies in areas like local government operations and energy and water utilities, significant gaps exist in community-wide initiatives, building policy, and transportation policy. Tailored approaches are needed based on local conditions.
  • National and provincial policies drive city-level climate action, yet many cities set more ambitious goals, independent codes, and stricter standards than their national counterparts. Cities can serve as climate leaders and promote peer learning.
  • Cities need to improve data collection and disclosure mechanisms to support decision-making, set sectoral goals aligned with overall objectives, and ensure accountability through institutionalized information transparency.
  • Cities face significant funding gaps in low-carbon development. Strengthening financial instruments—such as subsidies, tax incentives, and climate investment funds—can accelerate the transition to sustainable urban development.