The County receives CDP’s top global recognition for environmental transparency and climate action

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County has been named to the 2024 CDP A List, the top status available from the largest global independent environmental disclosure system, recognizing global leadership in environmental transparency, climate action and resilience planning. Only 112 cities worldwide earned CDP’s top status, including 29 US cities, the most from any country. In 2024, only two U.S. counties earned this top score.

Earning a spot on CDP’s A List is a significant achievement that reflects the highest standard of local climate leadership. To be recognized with an A, local governments must publicly disclose through CDP-ICLEI Track and meet rigorous criteria—including a city-wide emissions inventory, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA), and a published climate action plan.

US A List cities are demonstrating that local leadership drives climate innovation, infrastructure investment, and economic opportunity. Transparent disclosure through CDP-ICLEI Track provides a platform for cities to track progress, engage communities, and unlock increased access to funding to accelerate solutions and strengthen long term community resilience.

“We are incredibly proud to see Cuyahoga County continue to be recognized as a leader in climate resiliency,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Climate change is critically important topic for the Great Lakes region and this year, we accelerated efforts with the official launch of our Fresh Water Institute, an initiative focused on education, advocacy, and economic development dedicated to protecting our vital water resources. We remain deeply committed to advancing solutions that safeguard our natural resources for future generations, and we thank CDP for recognizing our progress.”

“Congratulations to Cuyahoga County for earning a spot on CDP’s A list. Cuyahoga County is leading by example, by disclosing transparently how it is prioritizing and integrating climate resiliency and sustainability across their region,” said Katie Walsh, Head of Climate Finance for Cities, States and Regions and North America Lead, CDP North America. “From investing in infrastructure to building stronger local economies and creating jobs, American local governments on CDP’s 2024 A List are forging ahead on climate action.”

“The transparency and accountability that climate action disclosure requires builds trust with our stakeholders. We are committed to engaging on this issue because there is still time to address climate change,” said Jenita McGowan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Climate and Sustainability. "Cuyahoga County has an important role to play in this transformation. We can help our residents, visitors, and businesses transition to a low-carbon, environmentally healthy, and just future so we can thrive now and into the future.”

The Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability is focused on clean energy, land use, and transportation-based solutions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The county-run utility, Cuyahoga Green Energy, delivers clean, reliable and locally generated power through renewable energy initiatives and the development of district microgrids that enhance resiliency.

For the sixth year in a row, Cuyahoga County continued its Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant program to preserve and expand the region’s tree canopy. The county has made significant progress in transportation and waste reduction strategies through its Micro-mobility Project, Sustainable Stores grant program, and Bring-Your-Own-Bags initiatives. In 2025, the Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability plans to unveil a new Climate Action Plan and continue to develop a Climate Change Education Program.

To view CDP’s full Cities, States and Regions A List please visit: www.cdp.net/en/data/scores.