Brazil has announced that 34 cities and two states will receive support to accelerate climate action projects through the Brazil Mutirão Programme. This initiative, backed by C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, aims to implement climate initiatives by 2027, focusing on urban mobility, waste management, and climate budgeting.

The programme, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, was unveiled during the General Assembly of the National Front of Mayors in Curitiba. It will provide technical and financial support to cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belém, to develop projects such as electric mobility and organic waste management. For instance, Belo Horizonte will deploy 100 electric buses, whilst Curitiba will implement composting initiatives to reduce methane emissions.

Significantly, 11 cities in the Amazon region are participating, highlighting the area’s strategic importance in Brazil’s climate agenda. Six cities, including Barcarena and Rio Branco, will develop Climate Action Plans to enhance local governance and address climate risks.

Michael R Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition, stated, “Cities continue to make important strides fighting climate change, and Brazilian mayors are helping to lead the way with projects that cut emissions.”

The programme aims to deliver substantial climate and urban development outcomes, such as deploying 600 electric buses and treating 20,000 tonnes of organic waste annually. By fostering collaboration between national and local governments, the initiative seeks to position Brazilian cities as leaders in sustainable urban development, offering a model for global climate action.