Undaunted at COP30: Standing with U.S. Climate Leaders in Rio

On November 3rd, Undaunted’s Co-Founder and CEO, Jonathan Klein traveled to Rio de Janeiro for the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, joining U.S. mayors, governors, county commissioners, youth and local leaders representing the work happening across the nation by the communities who aren’t backing down from climate commitments.

The convening’s theme was mutirão – an Indigenous Brazilian word meaning a collective effort for the common good. Leaders from around the world made clear that we already have the technical solutions to build a healthier, safer, more equitable world. What’s needed now is the courage to act together.

Throughout the forum, leaders demonstrated the power of accountability and collective action. We were particularly inspired by the C40 Cities’ “Yearly Offer of Action” initiative, where mayors make public commitments to actions they’ll take in the next 12 months rather than distant multi-year targets. Leaders also shared specific actions they’re taking: electrifying transportation, creating green spaces that cool neighborhoods, and modernizing school buildings to protect student health. 

Schools emerged as a common thread across global discussions, reinforcing what we already know: that building a healthier, more equitable future means investing in the places where the next generation learns and leads. 

We're grateful to America Is All In and Bloomberg Philanthropies for the opportunity to stand alongside and learn from leaders from Ohio, Minnesota, Arizona, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Illinois, Washington, California, Missouri, New York, Virginia, Louisiana, and more who are leading with courage and action.

Watch the C40 World Mayors Summit: Cities Delivering Global Leadership for Climate Action