Take Me Down to the Zero-Carbon City

Urban areas are home to 75% of EU citizens. Globally, cities contribute over 70% of CO2 emissions. In April 2022, the EU launched an ambitious program to support 100 European cities in reaching climate neutrality by 2030.

These selected cities are intended to serve as experimental models, setting an example for all cities to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. However, many are falling behind schedule.  

The team of journalists analysed each city’s Climate Contract drafted by each city and interviewed key public officials and stakeholders. Our findings highlighted that local councils often struggle with lack of adequate public funding, outdated legislation, conflict of powers with other bodies of the state and competing private interests. 

Image: Studio Figure, Milan 2024