Eduardo Paes: The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025

What is a climate solution that isn’t getting the attention or funding it deserves?

We need to design and build cities in more sustainable ways. This requires a range of solutions that must be fully integrated into urban planning, such as expanding green spaces, implementing nature-based solutions to prevent natural disasters (like floodable parks), and making cities more walkable while investing in green public transportation. These measures strengthen urban resilience, an urgent necessity, especially in the Global South, where the next mega cities are growing. To ensure their adoption is fair and effective, we must also establish financial mechanisms that direct more resources to developing countries. Addressing the financing gap in the Global South is key to enable much-needed investments in urban adaptation and the only way to protect the most vulnerable populations and prevent the climate crisis from further deepening social and economic inequalities.

What gives you hope about the future of the planet?

My hope lies in the fact that younger generations today have much greater awareness and understanding of the climate crisis and sustainability than ever before. Although more concrete actions and effective public policies are still urgently needed, this growing climate consciousness increases social pressure for change, promotes more sustainable habits, and drives innovation. All of this helps accelerate solutions and transform the way the world responds to the crisis. The engagement of young people represents a genuine source of hope for building a future grounded in environmental responsibility and climate justice.

If you could stand up and talk to world leaders at the next COP, what would you say?

I would emphasize that local governments in developing countries represent a crucial opportunity for advancing the global climate agenda. Unlike industrialized nations that achieved economic growth through unsustainable and environmentally harmful means—and would now have to make severe reversals to rebuild sustainably—countries in the Global South have the chance to develop sustainably from the start. This presents a unique opportunity for these nations to grow resiliently, avoiding the cycles of environmental degradation that marked the past. Global leaders must therefore treat cities as essential partners, not secondary actors, in climate governance. Empowering them with financing, technology, and direct participation in international negotiations will be decisive for achieving a just and effective transition.