Towards an „Urban Climate Transition Governance Prism“: Advancing the EU Climate Mission Goals in European Smart Cities

The forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report emphasizes the critical role of cities in addressing the climate emergency; while urban areas account for a significant share of global carbon emissions, they are also vital sites for experimentation and innovation in climate governance. Despite increased research and initiatives, urban climate efforts have yet to achieve the necessary scale, revealing an urgent need for effective governance models that align with ambitious decarbonization targets. Moving from the contexts and the suggestions of the European Mission on 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030, this study proposes the Urban Climate Transition Governance (UCTG) Prism, a framework combining multilevel, polycentric, experimentalism, and participatory governance approaches, to support cities in advancing the EU’s climate neutrality mission. Using Florence as a case study, the research explores how the UCTG Prism can guide cities in translating EU climate objectives into locally grounded actions. The “Florence for the Climate” initiative demonstrates how a governance model rooted in collaboration, community engagement, and adaptive strategies can create a shared ecosystem of change and how the introduction of a democratic innovation such as the Climate Citizens’ Assembly can support climate-related decision-making. The study bridges theoretical models and practical citizen participation, positioning the UCTG Prism as a replicable tool for cities seeking to achieve EU climate goals and foster resilient urban climates.