Zaragoza Earns Top Global Ranking for Climate Action, Third Year Running
Table of Contents
Zaragoza, Spain, is once again being recognized as a global leader in the fight against climate change, securing a coveted position on the CDP-ICLEI’s prestigious “A List” for the third consecutive year.
Zaragoza has distinguished itself among over 1,000 cities worldwide evaluated for their commitment to environmental sustainability. The recognition, announced this week, highlights the Aragonese capital’s decisive actions and comprehensive strategy to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. This places Zaragoza among an elite group of cities – including Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Oslo, Rotterdam, London, New York, Johannesburg, Melbourne, and Tokyo – that are demonstrating exceptional leadership in climate action.
A Leading Voice in Global Sustainability
CDP-ICLEI, the world’s leading climate reporting platform, assesses cities based on their transparency and performance in addressing climate change. Cities on the “A List” are found to implement climate action measures at four times the rate of those not included, according to the organization. The evaluation process requires a detailed emissions inventory, a published climate action plan, a thorough assessment of climate-related vulnerabilities, and a clear adaptation objective.
“Being part of the A list will serve to monitor the evolution of the city, compare efforts and promote new actions,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Zaragoza’s Comprehensive Climate Strategy
The City Council’s success stems from a multi-faceted strategy anchored in commitments to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the Mission of One Hundred Climate Neutral Cities, and the city’s own Climate Change Adaptation Plan. A key pillar of this strategy is the rapid electrification of transportation.
Zaragoza is actively transforming its public transportation system with European funding, modernizing its bus fleet and adding new tram units. The city is also incentivizing the adoption of electric taxis and expanding its network of charging stations for private electric vehicles.
Beyond transportation, Zaragoza’s plan encompasses:
- Energy Efficiency: Rehabilitating homes to improve energy performance and comfort.
- Renewable Energy: Promoting the development and use of renewable energy sources.
- Urban Renaturalization: Regenerating natural spaces like the Huerva riverbed and creating carbon sinks, such as El Bosque de los Zaragozanos (The Forest of the Zaragozans).
- Green Management: Implementing a comprehensive urban green management strategy focused on natural solutions.
A Model for Future Climate Action
The CDP-ICLEI’s assessment process is designed to foster accountability and drive progress. The organization, founded in 2000, works with companies, cities, states, and regions to measure their environmental impact and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. Data collected from these entities is analyzed and shared through partnerships with organizations like C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), ICLEI, Race to Zero, Race to Resilience, RegionsAdapt, and the Science Based Targets Network.
Zaragoza’s continued success on the “A List” serves as an inspiring example for cities around the world, demonstrating that ambitious climate action is not only possible but also essential for building a prosperous and resilient future. The city has set a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030, and its ongoing efforts position it as a frontrunner in the global movement towards a sustainable planet.
