Getting started

Begin by understanding why a CAP is important and the significance of the Paris Agreement in shaping cities’ climate action. From this foundation, the first step in climate action planning is to create the enabling conditions for success – from securing the commitment of city leadership, setting up a CAP team and mechanisms for internal collaboration, to appraising existing policies and defining a long-term vision to guide the process.

Governance

Good climate governance is integral to the effective design and implementation of a city’s CAP, starting with the governance aspects covered in 'Getting Started'. Here, we outline the principles, tools and resources that can help cities create a supportive policy framework and governance structure for the CAP, and establish enabling conditions for implementation.

Stakeholder and community engagement

An inclusive, collaborative process for climate action planning is as important as the CAP itself. It builds widespread community and political support, fosters credibility and strengthens the resulting plan. This sets out steps, approaches and tools to help cities design and deliver an inclusive, equitable and strategic engagement strategy. It can guide the city’s engagement strategy for the overall planning process, as well as strategies for specific steps.

Build evidence base

A science-based CAP that delivers the greatest benefits for the city and its residents will need to be underpinned by evidence on the city’s emissions, climate risks, and wider priorities. Here, learn how to carry out a city-wide GHG emission inventory, climate change risk assessment, and a socio-economic needs assessment.

Strategy identification

Informed by the evidence base, the next step is to identify mitigation targets and adaptation goals, and the strategies the city can adopt to meet them. This process benefits from the involvement of a large and diverse stakeholder network, who will help the city to develop ambitious and achievable strategies. This step also offers a way to meaningfully engage them, building trust and buy-in that will be critical throughout CAP implementation.

Action prioritisation and detailing

Once evidence-based strategies for meeting mitigation and adaptation ambitions have been established, the next step is to decide which strategies and actions to include in the CAP. This action prioritisation process should again be highly-collaborative, to strengthen the CAP itself and build vital support for its implementation. The need to embed equity and inclusivity into the identification, prioritisation, design and implementation of climate actions is equally critical.

Plan compilation

The final step in the process of developing a climate action plan is writing it. This outlines best practices for designing, writing and launching a CAP that effectively communicates the city’s commitment to climate action, the strategies and actions the city will employ, and the evidence that underpins them.

Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting

Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting (MER) enables the city to track the CAP’s implementation and impact, demonstrating the value of actions taken and allowing the city to make informed adjustments – maximising the success of its implementation.