From zero-waste initiatives to net-zero emissions, ICLEI members are setting the pace for climate ambition, transforming innovative ideas into measurable results. Announced last night, November 4th, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Awards celebrate the boldest, most 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 from 45 countries, demonstrating practical innovations that reduce urban pollution, improve quality of life, and expand economic opportunities. Now in its ninth edition and held in partnership with C40 Cities, the awards recognize exceptional local and regional initiatives that effectively connect climate policies to everyday life and accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement. One Brazilian winner and one global winner were honored in each of the six categories.

Congratulations to our eight winning ICLEI members and their initiatives:

Category: Energy Transition and Smart Buildings

Juiz de Fora, Brazil – Transforming Energy: The Municipal Climate Neutrality Policy combines legislation, LED lighting replacement, and renewable energy systems to advance towards climate neutrality.

Category: Clean and Reliable Transportation

Oslo, Norway – A Pioneering City in Zero-Emission Heavy Transport: The project Fossil Free Truck It accelerates zero-emission heavy transport through contractual requirements, new infrastructure, and the granting of subsidies.

São Paulo, Brazil – Electrifying the Bus Fleet: O Municipal Program for Innovative Acquisition and Financing It promotes the replacement of diesel fleets with electric vehicles through innovative financing models and partnerships.

Category: Secure Infrastructure for a Changing World

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Extreme Heat Response Protocol: Brazil's first health plan focused on extreme heat integrates early warnings, public cooling centers, and intersectoral coordination.

Category: Healthy Cities, Strong Communities

Barcarena, Brazil – Food System for Sustainable Development and Food Security: It strengthens family farming and agroforestry, promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Category: Sustainable Waste Solutions

Quezon City, Philippines – Trash for Cashback Program: It transforms recyclable materials into redeemable rewards, reducing waste and creating green livelihoods.

Salvador, Brazil – Recycle Capital: It expands selective waste collection and circular economy initiatives through technology and the strengthening of cooperatives.

Category: The Power of Partnership

Government of the State of Piauí, Brazil – Ecological ICMS (Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services): It rewards municipalities for environmental performance through an innovative tax-sharing model.

The winners were selected by a distinguished international jury, composed of:

• Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);
• Dr. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation;
• Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition;
• Dan Ioschpe, Top-Level Climate Champion at COP30;
• Antha N. Williams, Head of Environmental Programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies;
• Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities; and
• David Miller, Executive Director of the C40 Center.

You can read the full list of winners. here.