For the fourth year in a row, the City of San Diego has earned international recognition by being named to CDP’s 2025 A List for its leadership in climate action and resilience. 

CDP is a global nonprofit that operates an independent environmental disclosure system. Through CDP, companies, cities, states and regions voluntarily report data on climate risks, impacts and opportunities, helping investors, policymakers and the public make informed, sustainable decisions. 

The City was recognized with an A rating on the 2025 list for its commitment to resilience and progress toward a net-zero future, including forward-looking programs such as the Climate Action Plan, Mobility Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, Pure Water Program, Coastal Resilience Master Plan and a program to install electric vehicle chargers throughout the city. Other City initiatives related to sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat and wildfire are contained in the Climate Resilient SD Plan. 

“Being named to CDP’s A List for the fourth consecutive year reflects the City’s sustained commitment to long-term climate action and resilience,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “This recognition underscores the importance of embedding climate considerations into everyday decision-making and continuing to align land use, transportation and infrastructure planning with our climate and resilience goals.” 

More than 23,000 companies, cities, states and regions disclosed environmental data through CDP in 2025. Of the 738 cities worldwide that were scored, only 120 received an A rating, placing San Diego among a select group of global leaders. 

Other cities recognized on this year’s A List include Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Mexico City, London, United Kingdom and Sydney, Australia. The State of California also received an A rating. 

“Cities play a decisive role in shaping a resilient and Earth-positive future,” said Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP. “When local governments commit to transparent disclosure, robust climate planning and clear adaptation strategies, they not only protect their communities but also unlock opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. Their leadership shows how data-driven climate action can strengthen both people and the planet.” 

To achieve an A score, a city must meet a series of robust leadership criteria. This includes publicly disclosing environmental data through the CDP-ICLEI Track platform, maintaining a comprehensive citywide emissions inventory and publishing a credible climate action plan. Cities must also complete a full climate risk and vulnerability assessment and set a clear climate adaptation goal that outlines how they will address current and future climate hazards. 

The City’s current Climate Action Plan was adopted in 2022 and builds upon the 2015 plan, when San Diego demonstrated early environmental leadership as one of the first cities in the country to implement a climate action plan. It sets a community-wide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2035, committing San Diego to an accelerated trajectory for greenhouse gas reductions. Climate Resilient SD, adopted in 2021, is the City’s comprehensive climate adaptation and resiliency plan, which will increase the city’s ability to adapt, recover and thrive in a changing climate.