Oakland has emerged as a beacon of environmental initiative, being named one of the world's top cities in climate action according to the CDP Cities A List, receiving high marks in their aggressive fight against climate perils. In a statement released by the City of Oakland, officials brandished their new honors as proof of the city's dedication to sustainable development and environmental responsibility, highlighting the collaborative efforts of residents, businesses, and city departments.

With only 13% of cities reporting to the CDP making the A list in 2023, Oakland stands out, tackling climate change with rigorous mitigation and adaptation measures while the world's gaze is fixed on global climate accords at COP28. "This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community, local businesses, and city departments working hand in hand to build a more sustainable and resilient Oakland," Mayor Sheng Thao told the City of Oakland, capturing the essence of their collective drive; it is notably a pulse of the city's ethos, mirroring a pledge to climate action for the benefit of both present and impending generations.

The city's lauded moves include publishing an ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan, and it's also pioneering the expansion of the Universal Basic Mobility pilot in West Oakland, proving that progressivism in transportation isn’t just an ideal but a tangible reality. Public endeavors also saw daylight with the draft release of the Oakland Urban Forest Plan, an $8 million-funded initiative buoyed by the Inflation Reduction Act, as Oakland ushers in a greener canopy overhead.

Upgrades to public infrastructure affirm commitment and action; nine libraries were retrofitted with new pump and air filtration systems, doubling as community safe havens during emergencies, and a whopping $9.25M is injected into the Lincoln Community Resilience and Recreation Center in Oakland Chinatown, with the intention to bolster the city’s structural and communal resilience, City Administrator Jestin Johnson recognized the community's hand in these achievements, affirming to the City of Oakland, "Our residents and businesses play a vital role in creating a sustainable and resilient Oakland: Together, we are actively shaping our city's future and building a foundation that can withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate."

For more on Oakland's green initiatives, the City of Oakland's sustainability webpage offers detailed insights and progress reports.