Belo Horizonte Joins  Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam , Bogotá, Johannesburg, São Paulo, Rabat and Cartagena in Leading the Charge to End Fossil Fuels

Published on November 15, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Belo Horizonte is now joining Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam, and other global cities in leading the charge to end fossil fuels. Cities like São Paulo, Rabat, and Cartagena have already made significant strides, and now Belo Horizonte is stepping up to ensure a fossil-free future. This growing coalition of cities, including Johannesburg, Bogotá, and Amsterdam, is committed to driving the transition to clean energy and sustainable solutions. As Belo Horizonte takes action, it solidifies its role as a key player in the global fight to end fossil fuels and tackle climate change head-on.

As the world faces the escalating consequences of the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis, C40 Cities, a coalition of nearly 100 global mayors, has issued a stark call for action at COP30. These cities, which represent over 80% of global emissions, are demanding a credible, bold plan to phase out fossil fuels and supercharge the global energy transition. This move is vital for the future of our planet, as cities already feel the devastating impacts of climate change. The time for words has passed, and the era of action has arrived. COP30 must be the turning point where ambition is transformed into real-world solutions for a clean, fair, and fossil-free future.

This urgent call from C40 Cities is not just a plea; it is a declaration of leadership from the very places most affected by the climate crisis. As world leaders gather in Belém for COP30, these cities are ready to take the reins and lead the way in confronting the climate emergency. With a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, cities are now at the forefront of the battle to preserve our planet, proving that local action is crucial for global change.

How C40 Cities Are Already Delivering Results in the Fossil-Free Transition

Across the globe, C40 Cities have already proven that they are not just talking about change—they are making it happen. Cities like Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Amsterdam, and Lagos State are already implementing real, tangible actions to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. From electrifying municipal transport fleets to scaling renewable energy projects and introducing clean cooking solutions, these cities are not waiting for national governments to act. They are leading the transition to a clean energy future with bold, actionable steps that are already cutting fossil fuel demand.

In Rio de Janeiro, the RevoluSolar initiative has created the first photovoltaic community in a favela, providing low-cost energy while reinvesting profits into job training. In Johannesburg, solar minigrids are bringing clean electricity to over 12,000 homes in informal settlements. Amsterdam is working to remove fossil gas from 550,000 homes by 2040, showing that even the toughest transitions are possible with the right commitment. Meanwhile, in Lagos State, 500,000 vulnerable households are being supported as fuel subsidies are phased out, proving that the clean energy shift can be inclusive and equitable.

These examples show that C40 cities are not just talking the talk; they are walking the walk. The commitment to halve fossil fuel use by 2030 is already underway. Cities are on track to achieve what national governments have been struggling to do for decades—tackle the climate crisis head-on and deliver real solutions for their citizens. The momentum is building, and the world is watching as these cities pave the way toward a fossil-free future.

The Urgent Need for Global Collaboration at COP30

During the COP30 negotiations, C40 Cities are urging national governments to partner with them in an ambitious and just energy transition. C40 is calling for a collaborative roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, focusing on a just and equitable transition that supports workers, communities, and countries most affected by climate change. This includes ensuring that finance mechanisms are in place to enable cities and subnational governments to lead the charge and implement the transition on the ground.

Mayors are adamant that local governments must play a critical role in delivering change. With over 80% of global emissions coming from cities, they are the epicenter of the climate battle. National governments need to recognize this reality and work in partnership with local leaders to ensure the global transition away from fossil fuels is effective and fair. Only by empowering cities and subnational actors can the world make the progress necessary to meet climate goals and avoid irreversible damage to our planet.

C40’s Roadmap to a Fossil-Free Future: Actionable Steps for COP30

The C40 Cities have already laid out their vision for a fossil-free future in their roadmap, which includes clear implementation pathways for ending fossil fuel use in power generation, transport, buildings, and industry. This roadmap highlights the need for clear, actionable steps to accelerate the transition, backed by significant financial support to scale solutions and ensure cities can carry out the necessary actions. But to make this vision a reality, national governments must step up and commit to the same level of urgency.

Mayors across the world are calling for COP30 to be the event that marks the shift from ambition to action. The roadmap needs to be collaboratively designed, with input from cities, civil society, and workers’ unions to ensure that the transition is just, inclusive, and equitable. Workers must be re-skilled for the green jobs of the future, and the economic benefits of the transition should be shared with communities that have historically been left behind.

Cities: The Unstoppable Force Leading the Charge for a Fossil-Free Future

While C40 Cities continue to urge governments to deliver on their promises, they are already delivering the fossil-free future that the world desperately needs. By electrifying transport, scaling up renewable energy, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, cities are leading the way in creating a clean energy revolution.

C40 cities are not only reducing emissions—they are improving the quality of life for residents, reducing energy costs, and creating green jobs that will sustain communities for generations. Bogotá, for instance, is leading the way by training women from marginalized communities to become e-bus drivers, promoting both gender equity and the electrification of public transport fleets. In Johannesburg, 12,000 homes now have access to clean, reliable electricity thanks to the installation of solar mini-grids. These actions show that the fossil-free transition is already happening, and it is happening in the places where it matters most.

The Future of COP30: A Crucial Turning Point for the World

COP30 is poised to be a crucial moment in the fight against climate change. As C40 Cities continue to lead the way, it is clear that the future of the world lies in cooperation between local governments, national leaders, and civil society. The roadmap to phasing out fossil fuels must be backed by concrete actions, with a focus on fairness, justice, and equity.

Cities are the engine driving the clean energy transition, and COP30 must recognise their leadership in this process. As mayors take the stage in Belém, they are ready to accelerate the transition and deliver the fossil-free future the world desperately needs. The challenge is immense, but with cities leading the charge, the world has a real chance to combat the climate crisis and secure a brighter, safer future for all.