Scaling Up Private Finance for Urban Climate Action: Lessons and Recommendations for Local Governments

May 29, 2025

Cities are at the heart of the global climate challenge, responsible for over 70% of CO₂ emissions while also being highly vulnerable to climate risks. Transitioning urban systems to become climate-neutral and resilient will require substantial investments that far exceed the capacities of public finance alone. Yet cities face a range of institutional, regulatory, and financial barriers that prevent them from attracting and scaling up private capital. This report by the GGGI’s Hungary Office identifies how local governments can overcome these barriers and scale up private investment. It draws on international case studies, secondary research, and inputs from city officials—gathered through the Horizon Europe-funded UP2030 project. It provides actionable recommendations to local governments to improve municipal fiscal readiness, strengthen enabling environments, and use financial instruments strategically to bridge the urban climate finance gap.