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In this episode we're talking to Yunus Arıkan, Director of Global Advocacy at ICLEI, to look at how local government is at the centre of global climate action, and why the path to 1.5°C runs through streets, budgets, and everyday choices. From the Earth Summit and Local Agenda 21 in the nineties to COP30 in Belém, we connect the dots between global agreements and real change on the ground.

We explore the three essentials every city needs to deliver: skilled teams that can steer investment, deep community engagement that builds consent and momentum, and visible leadership that models that shift. 

Our conversation challenges the myth that only global capitals lead on the transition. Small and mid-sized cities often move faster, delivering zero-waste systems in Malaysia for example, or rapid fleet electrification at the scale of Guangzhou. The lesson is clear: innovation is not a postcode; it’s a mindset backed by governance.

Listen in if you care about sustainable urban planning, climate policy, and how to turn big goals into real outcomes – this conversation with Yunus offers practical insights and honest hope.

Follow GoodGeist for more episodes on sustainability, communications and how creativity can help make the world a better place.