Objectives
Rio Climate Action Week
23-29 August 2025
RCAW Objectives
1. SUPPORTING BRAZIL AND GLOBAL CLIMATE AMBITION
Supporting Brazil’s Leadership on Climate Action & Sustainable Development
In a pivotal year for Brazilian diplomacy as host of COP30 and other key international summits, RCAW will highlight the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in response to climate challenges and wider complex, intersecting trade and geopolitical challenges facing nations. RCAW will be a preeminent forum to help build climate ambition on the road to COP30. It will support the Brazilian Presidency’s climate diplomacy by mobilising and showcasing city, business, societal and community-based action for climate solutions in Brazil and beyond.
2. FINANCING INCLUSIVE AND RESILIENT CLIMATE TRANSITION
RCAW will address the climate finance gap, mobilising domestic, regional and international institutions and thought leaders for innovative and practical new solutions. The gap between national climate plans and investment is vast and growing. It is estimated that US$8 trillion a year is needed to finance the climate transition globally, rising to $10 trillion a year after 2030. With governments required to produced enhanced national climate plans (NDCs – nationally determined contributions) by September, and with the USA departed from the Paris Agreement and multilateral climate efforts, there is a critical need to address the climate finance gap as a key condition for success at COP30.
3. DELIVERING A NET ZERO, RESILIENT RIO AND BRAZIL
RCAW will help deliver a net zero, resilient Rio De Janeiro and Brazil by actively supporting efforts towards a just and inclusive climate transition. As one of the most iconic, diverse and culturally impactful major cities, Rio de Janeiro has a global influence and reach. But it is also highly vulnerable to climate change and RCAW seeks to support city leadership in implementation of city-wide climate action strategies to drive a just transition to a more equitable and resilient city.
RCAW will help develop synergies between public, private and voluntary sector organisations to encourage collaboration and build a ‘Climate Cluster’ of Rio’s dynamic climate and sustainability leaders. Rio de Janeiro has always attracted cultural, economic and social innovators and is a hub for climate and environmental start-ups. RCAW will provide greater visibility to the emerging Climate Cluster of professionals in the city, and actively promote international links with London, and other cities initiating climate action weeks.
4. MOBILISING WHOLE OF SOCIETY CLIMATE ACTION
RCAW will create a new city-wide platform for engaging across sectors to mobilise “whole of society” engagement in climate action vital to support delivery of deep decarbonisation and resilience. RCAW will expand the range of organisations and institutions engaged in the climate policy, debate and action, including through partnership with cities across Brazil, through the international diaspora of Brazilians globally and with other global cities. As London Climate Action Week has demonstrated, there is huge potential for engagement across many sectors, from education, faith, culture and sport, to engage the public beyond the climate bubble and partisan politics.