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ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

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From Incentivizing to Enabling: A practitioner’s guide to equitable climate action in cities

English Handbook / Guide Published: 05.11.2025
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Authors

Rebecca Wessinghage, Senior Officer, Equity and Social Inclusion, ICLEI World Secretariat

Anina Hartung, Officer, Resilient Development, ICLEI World Secretariat

Daniel Botha, Expert, Socio-Cultural Transformations, ICLEI European Secretariat

Jannis Niethammer, Expert, Socio-Cultural Transformations, ICLEI European Secretariat

Emily West, Student Assistant, Socio-Cultural Transformations, ICLEI European Secretariat

Contributors

Dr. Magash Naidoo
ICLEI World Secretariat Annika Dörrhöfer
formerly ICLEI World Secretariat NCLU:DE city liaisons: Dr. Raphael Karutz and Felicitas Müller
City of Bonn Christopher Sadlowski
City of Dortmund Dr. Björn Ahaus
City of Essen Viktoria Reith
City of Heidelberg Lena Völlinger
City of Ludwigsburg Case study reviewers: Braden Latham-Jones
City of Austin Amy Harrison
Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership Mark Leach
Bristol City Council Bob D'Haeseleer
formerly Cit

The INCLU:DE practitioner’s guide offers practical support for urban practitioners and policymakers to integrate social equity considerations into local climate action. Without careful design, climate measures can deepen existing inequalities, often benefiting wealthier households while leaving structurally disadvantaged communities behind. In a time of growing polarization, fostering a shared vision and a sense of collective ownership over the transition is more important than ever.

Based on insights from the INCLU:DE project, the guide advocates for a fundamental shift in approach: Moving from merely incentivizing climate-friendly behaviors to actively enabling communities to shape and lead the transition. The guide is structured around overcoming three key challenges:
– Understanding structural barriers for disadvantaged groups;
– Improving accessibility of climate programs through design;
– Ensuring that such approaches are mainstreamed across city administrations.

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