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San Francisco Earns Global “A-List” Status as a Climate Action Leader
This honor comes as San Francisco drafts its 2025 Climate Action Plan, providing opportunity for residents to shape the future of climate policy in the City.
San Francisco, CA — The City and County of San Francisco has been named to the 2024 A List, the highest rating available from CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project). CDP is the largest global independent environmental disclosure system and recognizes global leadership in environmental transparency, climate action and resilience planning. To earn a spot on CDP’s A List, cities must meet rigorous criteria, including a city-wide emissions inventory, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and a published climate action plan. 112 cities worldwide earned CDP’s top ‘A’ grade in 2024, including 29 US cities.
"San Francisco has long been recognized as an international climate leader, and this 'A' rating from CDP shows that our administration is picking up that baton," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "Thanks to the hard work of our city departments, frontline communities, and advocates, we are showing the world that leading on climate innovation is good for our city and our planet. And through our 2025 Climate Action Plan, we are doing the work to cut emissions, support our communities, and protect our future."
Partnering with CDP provides a platform for cities to track progress, engage communities, and unlock increased access to funding to accelerate solutions and strengthen long-term community resilience. Data disclosure from cities is important to identify trends in climate change, global warming, and the results of climate action. Measurable data is also key to proving the quantitative impacts of environmental mitigation strategies affording policy makers critical feedback to assess and formulate environmental policies to grow economies and achieve desired environmental outcomes. This is where San Francisco and other A-List cities excel, demonstrating how local leadership drives climate innovation, infrastructure investment, and economic opportunity.
“Congratulations to San Francisco for earning a spot on CDP’s A list. San Francisco is leading by example, by disclosing transparently how it is prioritizing and integrating climate resiliency and sustainability across their city. From investing in infrastructure to building stronger local economies and creating jobs, American local governments on CDP’s 2024 A List are forging ahead on climate action.” Katie Walsh, Head of Climate Finance for Cities, States and Regions and North America Lead, CDP North America.
This prestigious rating comes in the midst of San Francisco’s 2025 Climate Action Plan development process. The San Francisco Climate Action Plan was last updated in 2021. The plan lays out goals and actions across seven sectors such as energy supply, building operations, and transportation, to eliminate climate pollution and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. San Francisco has already reduced emissions by 48% from 1990 levels and made significant environmental progress in key areas, including:
- Expanded access to clean energy through programs like CleanPowerSF.
- Required all-electric construction in new buildings.
- Increased electric vehicle charging capacity in SF and expanded charging to the curb.
- Published a new Biking and Rolling Plan.
- Recovered 9 million lbs. of food to feed underserved communities in 2024.
Public engagement in the Climate Action Plan was kicked off in April by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Environment Department Director Tyrone Jue. The City is now in the final two weeks of community engagement on the Plan, which will be open until June 15.
“San Francisco’s climate leadership has been grounded in three things: data, innovation and community,” said Environment Department Director, Tyrone Jue. “Combining science, technology, and civic engagement is how we reduce emissions and build a resilient, inclusive, thriving city. This A rating is a reflection of what’s possible when we lead with accountability and ambition.
Residents are encouraged to help shape the Plan’s priorities — from building electrification and clean transportation to housing and green job creation, as well as healthy ecosystem restorations.
Upcoming community events on the Climate Action Plan include:
- June 10: Panel discussion on climate leadership, SPUR
- June 17: Spanish language community workshop, Main Library
- June 23: Chinese language community workshop, Main Library
Residents are encouraged to attend a local discussion and review the proposed updates and submit feedback by visiting SFenvironment.org/CAP-2025.
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