Following COP26, a number of cities worldwide which are leading on climate change have emerged - and the Scottish capital has made the list.

Edinburgh is the only city in Scotland to be named on CDP’s 2021 Cities A List. 

CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities - has recognised that Edinburgh has publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory, set an emissions reduction target of net zero emissions by 2030, published a climate action plan, completed, and is in the process of updating a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and has shown how it plans to tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change following the important climate conference.

Edinburgh City Council leader Adam McVey said: “This international recognition is a fantastic accomplishment for Edinburgh. It recognises how transparent we’re being about the action we’re taking as a city to tackle climate change as well as the hard work which is already underway to support our 2030 target.

“Net-zero redevelopments, improving our parks, food growing sites and urban forests have all delivered action as a city to help deliver net-zero.

“Whilst COP26 may have just ended, with some disappointment on progress agreed by National Governments, Edinburgh’s work continues to build on the progress we’ve already made. And the strength of Edinburgh’s approach has been endorsed with being listed one of just 95 cities in the world to be awarded an A-list status by the CPD, the only city in Scotland.

“Our works as a council and as a city will continue over the coming months and years to help deliver a net zero, climate ready capital by 2030 and we know that’s what our residents are demanding of us.”

A total of 95 cities across the world were named on this year’s CPD A List.