Explore every episode of the podcast Local Voices for Sustainability

How can cities design circular economy policies so that environmental and social benefits go hand in hand? In this episode, we hear from Emma Börjesson – Project Manager in the Circular Economy Team at the Environmental Department of the City of Malmö – about how the city is putting circularity into practice. As one of more than 90 cities to have signed the Circular Cities Declaration (CCD), Malmö offers a look at circular economy beyond waste and resource management. We explore Återbyggdepån (Reuse depot) and other initiatives, drawing on the Circular Cities Declaration Report to consider what other cities can learn from Malmö’s circular economy.

What does the concept of “Mobility As A Right” (MAAR) look like in practice? In this episode, we head to Mannheim, Germany, to explore how the city is rethinking transport through the UPPER project. Mobility Coordinator and Policy Advisor to the Mayor Tim Neugebauer from the City of Mannheim leads us through the city’s multimodal transport system, which serves both its industrial needs and its aim to make mobility more accessible, affordable and inclusive – all while balancing local and global climate goals.

What if the journey to school could make cities healthier, safer and more social? In this episode, we head to Grenoble to explore how rethinking streets around schools can transform everyday urban life. Edwin Hatton, Project Manager for Grenoble City Council, and Lysa Sérot, intern with the city’s Public Space Planning team, take us inside the 'Breath of School' project — winner of ICLEI Europe's Local Sustainability Award in 2025. Together, they reveal how child-friendly urban planning can strengthen climate resilience, improve quality of life and inspire cities far beyond Grenoble.

As heatwaves intensify and wildfire risks grow, cities on the urban-forest edge face mounting climate pressure. In this episode, we head to Athens to explore how data, AI and collaboration help the city detect wildfire threats before flames appear.

Vangelis Marinakis from the National Technical University of Athens and Lina Magoula from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens take us inside the DRYADS project, where environmental data, smart monitoring and research partnerships come together to strengthen forest resilience and protect nearby neighbourhoods.

Is soil just dirt – or one of a city’s most critical assets? In this episode, we head to Nantes to uncover how soil underpins climate resilience, biodiversity, and urban growth. Director of Territorial Strategy, Clément Le Bras-Thomas, reveals why putting soil at the heart of planning could transform Europe’s cities.

Learn more about the SPADES project and the impact it is having in cities like Nantes and Gothenburg, and regions like Transylvania and Lombardy.

When climate risk meets cultural heritage, cities have to make choices. In this episode, we head to Guimarães to find out how one of Europe’s oldest cities is rewriting its relationship with nature. Carlos Ribeiro, President of the Landscape Lab, takes us behind the scenes of fire prevention, riverbed restoration, and a green strategy that connects city, landscape, and community — just as Guimarães steps into the spotlight as European Green Capital and host of the European Urban Resilience Forum.

Check out Guimarães' Mapa Verde (Green Map) here.

Paris is transforming into a greener, more liveable city—one street and biodiversity corridor at a time. In this episode, we sit down with Celeste Rouberol from the City of Paris about how the French capital is reimagining urban life through nature, from its ambitious Biodiversity Plan to new community-led green spaces.
Learn about Paris' role as a Lighthouse City in the UNP+ project, here.
Learn about the EU's Nature Restoration Regulation, here.

What does it mean to live on an island that may one day vanish? How can communities adapt to climate change, and what does staying – or leaving – really mean? In this episode, ICLEI Europe speaks with Dr. Catharina Greve about Neuwerk, a tiny island in northern Germany where climate change is no abstraction – storm surges, rising seas, and shifting tides define daily life. Greve introduces the RescueME project, which explores how cultural landscapes like Neuwerk can (or cannot) be preserved, and how residents are shaping their own future.

From horse-drawn carts crossing tidal flats to “serious games” – where locals and policymakers test out future scenarios – this conversation dives deep into resilience, wilderness, and the tough choices communities face when home itself is at risk.

Explore the work being done by ICLEI Europe's Resilience and Climate Adaptation team here.

Public procurement isn’t just about getting the best price – it’s about shaping the greener and fairer cities of tomorrow. In this episode, we visit ICLEI Member City Oslo to learn how the Oslo Model is tackling social dumping, raising labour standards, and making public purchasing a tool for social and environmental change.

🎙️ Hear from Kjersti Koffeld and Espen Nicolaysen on how Oslo is applying socially responsible procurement in practice – and why tracking, supplier dialogue, and political will matter.

Oslo also shares its experience in the Big Buyers Working Together initiative, where cities across Europe join forces to move markets in a greener, fairer direction.

🔗 Learn more: https://public-buyers-community.ec.europa.eu/about/big-buyers-working-together

Łódź, Poland is turning co-creation into climate action. In this episode, we speak with Aleksandra Sztuka, Deputy Director of Environment Management at the City of Łódź,  who explains how the city is working with residents to green public spaces, tackle water scarcity, and rethink urban planning. It’s a fresh take on how cities can build fairer, more sustainable futures—together.

Learn more about ‘The Power of Many’ here.

The last time the EU concluded its long-term budget negotiations was in 2021. Back then, COVID-19 was in full swing and defense and European cohesion were not the topics they are today. Priorities change. The new EU budget is expected to be announced this July. So, we wanted to know - what should we expect? What changes would benefit cities and towns? ICLEI Europe’s Senior Advocacy Expert, Goksen Sahin, provided us with her insight.

Interested in learning more? Check out this position paper from The Local Alliance, which calls on EU leaders to develop a budget that is a robust and comprehensive tool for achieving a climate-neutral, just, and competitive Europe.

Sustainable mobility is key to building cities that are not only environmentally friendly but also accessible, smart, and resilient. In this episode, Sustainable Mobility Experts Andreas Piller and Elma Meskovic-Imsirovic from ICLEI Europe discuss how bold, forward-thinking decisions are reshaping the mobility landscape in European cities. They also dive into the EU's role in driving change and tackle some of the more contentious issues in urban mobility, including e-vehicles, scooters, and whether public transport should be free.

Explore the work being done by ICLEI Europe's Sustainable Mobility team here.

Is your city an ICLEI Member? Join our next Member Webinar on 10 April 2025, 11:00-12:00 on the topic of Mobility as a Right.

When was the last time you wandered through your local food market? How do the offerings at a market compare to those at a supermarket? In this episode, we explore the vital role of food systems in fostering a healthier, more sustainable city - from collaborative community projects to bridging the gap between urban and rural neighbourhoods. As a member of ICLEI Europe for more than 30 years, Freiburg, in Germany, stands as a leading example of connecting local food to communities.

This conversation features Eva Coydon, Manager and Coordinator of major projects and financing for the Freiburg & Region Food Policy Council; and Anna Bruen, Senior Expert for biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and sustainable food systems at ICLEI Europe.

To learn more about the Freiburg Food Policy Council, visit thewebsite.

Photo by Marco Pregnolato on Unsplash.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our November 2024 feature article is read aloud by Sarah Arfeen, of ICLEI Europe's Events and Project Communications team. The article dives into the results from COP16 and the successes for biodiversity that resulted in the midst of global challenges. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

What do sustainability projects have in common with the stars in the night sky? More than you’d think! In this episode, we turn our telescopes to the trailblazing city of Alba Iulia, where a radically new approach to managing the city’s sustainability efforts is taking hold. As the first city in Romania to sign a Local Green Deal, and a participating city in the Intelligent Cities Challenge, Alba Iulia is a sparkling example of small-town tenacity. 

This conversation features Maria-Elena Seemann, Coordinator of Foreign Relations, Partnerships development and Urban innovation from the City of Alba Iulia; and Niklas Mischkovski, Head of the Governance Innovation team at ICLEI Europe. 

To learn more about the Intelligent Cities Challenge, visit the website. 

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our October 2024 feature article is read aloud by Laura Schubert, of ICLEI Europe's Events and Project Communications team. The article dives into the Aalborg Conditions, launched at the 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns, and explains why they are a key framework for cities on their path towards climate neutrality. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠.

The city of Guimarães (Portugal) is on a mission to make food waste management more sustainable. How? By focusing on circular economy, a model of resource production and consumption that emphasises sharing, recycling and reusing materials and products for as long as possible. In this episode, we sit down with Dalila Sepúlveda, Head of the Department of Environment and Sustainability for the city of Guimarães, to discuss how circular economy strategies are helping Guimarães to transition from a linear to a circular economy, as outlined in the Circular Cities Declaration.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our September 2024 feature article is read aloud by Alis-Daniela Torres, of ICLEI Europe's Green Digital Transformation team. The article explores the potential of data and AI to help cities realise their potential on their journey to a sustainable future. To read the article and position paper for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our August 2024 feature article is read aloud by Anna Westervelt, of ICLEI Europe's Strategic Communications, Membership and Advocacy team. The article explores the European Commission's 2040 Climate Target proposal and advocates for changes to better reflect the reality in cities and regions across Europe. To read the article and position paper for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠.

Barcelona gets a lot of sun - nearly 2600 hours, annually (for comparison, Brussels gets about half of that). It is also a city where 20% of households struggle with energy poverty. So, what to do with plenty of sun and not enough affordable energy? Build pathways that make solar power an attractive option for all! In this episode, we sit down with Sergi Delgado, from the Barcelona Local Energy Agency, to discuss tackling energy poverty via the Sun4All project, and how the many rooftops throughout the dense city will be key to reaching Barcelona's Climate Action Plan.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our July 2024 feature article is read aloud by Arthur Hinsch, of ICLEI Europe's Sustainable Energy Systems team. The article explores Europe's transition away from fossil fuels and the important considerations needed to make this transition fair and just. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

Last week, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as European Commission President, kicking off a mandate that will run until 2029. But what does this new term mean for urban sustainability? And is the European Green Deal safe? ICLEI Europe Senior Advocacy Expert, Goksen Sahin, joins us on the show to break down the new mandate, and explains how it will impact urban sustainability in cities and regions across Europe.

Learn more and register for the European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, also known as #Aalborg2024, by visiting the conference website.

Image: Vadym Sarakhan | Dreamstime.com

Hey there! We're Jacob Broehm and Laura Schubert, the hosts of Local Voices for Sustainability⁠, the ICLEI Europe podcast. We want to know, what kinds of challenges are cities facing in their efforts to becoming more sustainable? What solutions are working? What aren't? But also, how are cities making sure that everyone is coming along for the ride? Join us as we sit down with city leaders from across Europe to tackle these questions. So subscribe now. Get Local Voices on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our June 2024 feature article is read aloud by Stefan Kuhn, Deputy Regional Director⁠ at ICLEI Europe. The article explores the impact of elections on the future of the EU Green Deal and on local sustainability agendas. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠.

Register for the #Aalborg2024 conference, here.

The climate emergency has brought a whole host of challenges to waterfront cities worldwide. Danish city, Aalborg, is no exception to this reality. In this conversation with Steffen Lervad Thomsen, from the Center for Green Transition at the City of Aalborg, we discuss how the city is prioritising an adaptive approach. We also explore the idea of a "thriving" city - what does it look like, and what are the benefits?

Aalborg is the host city of the European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns - also known as #Aalborg2024. To learn more about the conference and to register as an attendee or exhibitor, please visit: https://conferences.sustainablecities.eu/

Photo credit: Lars Horn / Baghuset

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our May 2024 feature article is read aloud by Philipp LaHaela Walter, Head of Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions at ICLEI Europe. Celebrating Biodiversity Day, it acknowledges the important policy frameworks and concrete solutions to help boost Europe’s local biodiversity and resilience. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

What value does the European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO) bring to European cities looking to be more sustainable? In this episode we sit down with the host cities of EURESFO 2023 and EURESFO 2024, Cascais, Portugal and Valencia, Spain. We discuss the unique opportunity of bringing together representatives of European cities and regions to explore challenges and opportunities to strengthen resilience in the context of sustainable urban development. 

João Dinis, Head of the Accelerating Urban Transition Office at Cascais Ambiente, reflects on the takeaways and surprises from last year’s event; while Emilio Servera, European Projects Officer at Valencia’s Climate and Energy agency, illuminates how the event has changed this year, as well as some tips for visitors.

To learn more about EURESFO, please visit: https://urbanresilienceforum.eu/.

To register for this year’s event from 26-28 June, please visit: https://urbanresilienceforum.eu/registration/.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature aloud. Our April 2024 feature is read aloud by Alessandra Barbieri, of ICLEI Europe's Circular Economy team. It highlights the new report issued by the ⁠Circular Cities Declaration⁠, which provides analyses and inspiring local examples that can support European cities as they unlock the potential of the circular economy. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter. In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff the feature aloud. Our March 2024 feature article is read aloud by Laura Schubert, of ICLEI Europe's Events and Project Communications team. It discusses the importance of water resilience in building sustainable cities and dives into inspiring action by ICLEI Members Izmir (Türkiye) and Burgas (Bulgaria). To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

What happens when you involve communities in the creation of new green space? In this conversation with Sarah O’Malley, EU Project Officer at Limerick City and County Council, we discuss the creative outcomes that have resulted from Limerick’s creation of a spot along its naturewalk, the Castletroy Greenway. Biodiversity, nature-based solutions and community engagement are at the heart of Limerick’s work via the GoGreenRoutes⁠⁠ project.

To learn more about the GoGreenRoutes project, please visit: https://gogreenroutes.eu/

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter.  In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature article aloud. Our February 2024 feature article is read aloud by Lucy Mears, working on ICLEI Europe's Events and Project Communications team. It discusses how the Belgian Presidency of the European Council is establishing a strong role for local leaders in the next European mandate – with ICLEI's support! To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter.  In our mini segment, 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature article aloud. This month, Wolfgang Teubner 🇩🇪, Regional Director Europe, looks to the year ahead, and the doors that are open to strengthen multilevel governance. To read the article for yourself, register for the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

What happens when cities give sustainable food a starring role on the political agenda? In this conversation with Hannelore Herreman, Policy Officer for the city of Ghent, we discuss the impactful initiatives that have resulted from Ghent's financial and systemic support of sustainable food. Topics on the menu include double-pricing systems, food swamps and making healthy food widely accessible via the FEAST project.

To learn more about the FEAST project, please visit: https://feast2030.eu/

Sometimes nature provides the perfect solution to our environmental challenges - all we have to do is lend a helping hand. In this episode, we head to the beach with Biologist, Patrícia Pinto da Silva, who works for the City of Almada (Portugal). We discuss healthy sand dunes, urban wilderness and how projects like NBS EduWORLD are vital for involving and educating the public on nature-based solutions.

If you would like to learn more about the NBS EduWORLD project, please visit: https://nbseduworld.eu/

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our November 2023 feature article is read aloud by Alan MacKenzie, Communications Expert working on ICLEI's Climate Neutral Cities Mission Task Group. It reflects on COP28 as a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the EU is ready to willing and capable to lead on climate action, working together with local governments to ensure success. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

"Photo © Rafael Henrique | Dreamstime.com"

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our October 2023 feature article is read aloud by Julia Kittel, Head of ICLEI Europe's Events & Project Communications team, who reflects on the need for truly integrated action to build resilience in the wake of climate crisis. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

This is the final episode of a three-part miniseries on the ICLEI Action Fund 1.0. During this miniseries, we have spoken to each of the six Action Fund Projects about the innovative, data-driven solutions they are using to foster environmental and climate action at the local level.

Join us today as we sit down with Hanna Rhein, Project Manager for the project Pop-up Republic located in Berlin, Germany. We’re also joined by  Kay Hartkopf, Technical Lead for the project ANN RADAR based in Hamburg, Germany. During this final episode, Hanna and Kay share with us the experiences that defined their involvement with the ICLEI Action Fund, relating specifically to sustainable mobility and the energy transition.

To learn more about the ICLEI Action Fund, please visit: http://bit.ly/45n5YQ1

This is the second episode of a three-part miniseries on the ICLEI Action Fund 1.0. During this miniseries, we speak to each of the six Action Fund Projects about their innovative solutions fostering data-driven environmental and climate action at the local level.

Join us today as we sit down with Rasmus Reeh, Project Lead and Advisor for the project Thrive Zone Amager located in Copenhagen, Denmark. We’re also joined by David Brenon, Air Pays de La Loire’s Director and Lead for the project AIREAL based in Nantes, France. Rasmus and David share their experiences with data enhancements on air quality. In this episode, they discuss the changes they are pursuing locally in Denmark and France.

To learn more about the ICLEI Action Fund, please visit: http://bit.ly/45n5YQ1

This is the first episode of a three-part miniseries on the ICLEI Action Fund 1.0. During this miniseries, we speak to each of the six Action Fund Projects about their innovative solutions fostering data-driven environmental and climate action at the local level.

Join us today as we sit down with Bridget Newbery, Project Manager for Project 3D - Data to Decarbonise in a Decade based in Birmingham as well as Aneaka Kellay, Sholver Facilitator and Pilot Projects Lead for the project Oldham Energy Futures based in Oldham. Bridget and Aneaka share their experiences with data-driven sustainable energy development and describe the changes they’re pursuing locally in the United Kingdom.

If you would like to learn more about the ICLEI Action Fund, please visit: http://bit.ly/45n5YQ1

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our September 2023 feature article is read aloud by Jennifer Cote, Communications and Member Relations Officer, who explains how we can rethink governance structures in the digital age to strengthen connections between people and decision-makers. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

A problem shared is a problem solved - at least this is the case in Dijon, a pilot city in the NetZeroCities project. Join us as we sit down with Jean-Patrick Masson, Vice-President of Dijon Metropole, responsible for the Ecological Transition. Jean-Patrick describes a city that is on the cusp of major structural change, where a highly collaborative, cross-sectoral approach is being used to address the climate emergency.

If you would like to learn about the EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, please visit: bit.ly/3P7JKgi

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our August 2023 article is read aloud by Sophie Callahan, Governance Innovation Officer, who explains the immense potential impact of fostering partnerships between local governments and community-led initiatives. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe ⁠newsletter⁠.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our July 2023 feature article is read aloud by ICLEI podcast host and Communications Officer, Laura Schubert, who draws on polling data to show what people across Europe want from upcoming EU food system legislation. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our June 2023 feature is read by Communications Officer, Kassia Rudd, who describes how an affirmative vote on the EU Nature Restoration Law is key to securing a green future for all. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our May 2023 feature is read by Communications Officer, Anna Westervelt, who describes how, through peer exchange, cities can apply, renew, and draw inspiration from tried-and-true solutions to shape new sustainable urban mobility systems of the future. To read the article for yourself, subscribe to the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our April 2023 feature is read by Junior Communications Officer, Jacob Broehm, who outlines an exciting funding programme spearheaded by ICLEI Europe, and funded by Google.org. The programme awards €7 million to six European cities that are using data to implement inclusive climate action projects. To read the article for yourself, register for the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

What is urban greening? In a nutshell, some may say, it's "nice to look at, and nice for our environment". It's so much more than that though, as we learn from our guest Ana Mitic-Radulovic from the Centre for Experiments in Urban Studies (CEUS), based in Belgrade, Serbia. In this episode, we hear how projects like CleverCities are fueling Belgrade's green space advocates with insight from other European cities, and how the planning of a major park is shaking things up locally.

If you would like to learn more about the CleverCities project, please visit: https://clevercities.eu/

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter, which is read aloud by a member of our staff in this podcast segment titled, 'Features'. Our March 2023 feature is read by Senior Coordinator Simon Clement 🇬🇧, who previews a new report on the key trends and challenges of circularity implementation in Europe’s urban areas. He also describes what ICLEI Europe is doing to help leverage cities’ potential to help Europe move from linear to circular. To read the article for yourself, register for the ICLEI Europe newsletter.

If a city prioritises having a rich cultural scene is it also more sustainable? Are nature and culture a match made in heaven? We sit down with Katarzyna Roj, a curator at a city-supported gallery in Wrocław, Poland to find our answer. We discuss, among many things, the game-changing transformation of a local waste treatment farm into an urban nature escape and space for social gatherings. This podcast is produced by ICLEI Europe.

If you would like to learn more about ICLEI Europe's culture and cultural heritage work, please visit: https://iclei-europe.org/topics/culture-cultural-heritage/

Each month, ICLEI Europe publishes a feature article via its newsletter.  In a new mini podcast segment called 'Features', a member of the ICLEI Europe staff reads the feature article aloud. Our February 2023 feature article is read aloud by Communications Officer, Katherine Peinhardt 🇺🇸, who outlines the potential that culture and cultural heritage can have when intertwined in the transition to a sustainable future. To read the article for yourself, register for the ICLEI Europe newsletter.