This article originally appeared on the ICLEI website. Image from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
From zero waste to net zero initiatives, ICLEI Members are setting the pace for climate ambition, turning innovative ideas into measurable results.
Announced on 4 November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Awards celebrate the most daring, impactful, and people-centered climate initiatives led by cities, states, and regions. Eight of the 12 winners are ICLEI Members.
The winners were selected from over 160 applications across 45 countries, demonstrating practical innovations that reduce urban pollution, raise quality of life, and expand economic opportunities.
Now in its ninth edition and delivered in partnership with C40 Cities, the Awards recognize outstanding local and regional initiatives that most effectively connect climate policy to daily life and accelerate Paris Agreement implementation. One Brazilian and one global winner were honored in each of the six categories.
Congratulations to our eight ICLEI Members winners and their initiatives:
Category: Energy Transition & Smarter Buildings
Juiz de Fora, Brazil – Transforming Energy: The Municipal Climate Neutrality Policy combines legislation, LED upgrades, and renewable systems to advance climate neutrality.
Category: Clean, Reliable Transportation
Oslo, Norway – Pioneering city for Zero-emission heavy duty transport: The Fossil Free Truck project accelerates zero-emission heavy-duty transport through contract mandates, new infrastructure, and grants.
São Paulo, Brazil – Electrifying the Bus Fleet: The Municipal Program for Innovative Acquisition and Financing leads diesel-to-electric fleet replacement with innovative financing and partnerships.
Category Safer Infrastructure for a Changing World
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Extreme Heat Response Protocol: Brazil’s first heat health plan integrates early warnings, public cooling centers, and cross-agency coordination.
Category Healthy Cities, Strong Communities
Barcarena, Brazil – Food System for Sustainable Development and Food Security: Strengthens family farming and agroforestry for food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Category Sustainable Waste Solutions
Quezon City, Philippines – Trash-to-Cashback Program: Turns recyclables into redeemable rewards, cutting waste and creating green livelihoods.
Salvador, Brazil – Recicla Capital: Expands selective collection and circular economy initiatives through technology and cooperative empowerment.
Category Power of Partnership
Government of the State of Piauí, Brazil – Ecological ICMS:Rewards municipalities for environmental performance through an innovative tax-sharing model.
Winners were selected by a distinguished international jury, comprising Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); Dr. Laurence Tubiana, CEO, European Climate Foundation; Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President, European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition; Dan Ioschpe, Climate High-Level Champion, COP30; Antha N. Williams, Head of Environment Programs, Bloomberg Philanthropies; Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities; and David Miller, Managing Director, C40 Centre.
You can read the full list of winners here and learn more about their initiatives here.
