During Urban October, the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA) is launching a dedicated campaign to spotlight urban climate projects that have reached bankability and been successfully implemented.
Throughout the month, we will release a series of brief case studies featuring real-world examples of projects that have successfully mobilized finance for climate action in cities. These stories will span diverse sectors, regions, and climate solutions, providing insights into what made these projects work, from project preparation and partnerships to financing instruments and enabling conditions.
By sharing these concrete examples, the campaign aims to:
This initiative reinforces CCFLA’s mission to accelerate collective action and scale up finance for urban climate solutions worldwide.
Cape Town, South Africa
Waste and wastewater, Green spaces, and nature-based solutions
The Greater Cape Town Water Fund restores catchments by removing invasive plants to boost water supply, create green jobs, and build resilience. Over 46,000 hectares cleared have recovered 15.2 billion liters of water annually through this nature-based solution.
Curitiba, Brazil
Waste and wastewater, Green spaces and nature-based solutions
Curitiba’s RPPNM program curbs urban sprawl by rewarding landowners for conserving natural areas through tax incentives and tradable development rights. The approach promotes conservation, supports sustainable growth, and enhances the city’s climate resilience.
Colombia
Green spaces and nature-based solutions
Parques del Río Norte transforms 30 hectares along Medellín’s northern riverbank into accessible green spaces using nature-based solutions to reduce floods, cool the city, and enhance well-being. Co-designed with residents, it will boost biodiversity, expand green space, and strengthen community resilience.
Kenya
Green spaces, nature-based solutions, and informal settlements
Grassroots and marginalized communities are on the frontlines of climate change, yet receive just a fraction of global climate finance. The National Local Government Fund (NLGF) is changing this by supporting over 200 community-driven initiatives across 19 counties in Kenya, focusing on climate-vulnerable areas like the ASAL regions.