Climate budgeting in practice: comparing C40 cities

Abstract

This paper evaluates the operationalization of climate budgeting across four global cities using a comparative framework grounded in three practitioner-relevant criteria: climate goal alignment, governance integration, and fiscal transparency. Drawing on best practices outlined by C40 Cities, International City/County Management Association, and Government Finance Officers Association, the study highlights how cities integrate climate considerations into their core financial processes. The findings show that climate budgeting is most effective when treated not as an environmental add-on, but as a reform of public financial management. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for practical, accessible evaluation tools that can be used to translate climate goals into actionable fiscal strategies.