City of St. John’s Earns Top Global Rating for Climate Action

St. John’s has received one of the highest environmental transparency ratings in the world, earning an A grade from the Carbon Disclosure Project for 2025.

The rating marks a significant improvement from the city’s D grade in 2023 and reflects recent progress in climate action and sustainability planning.

CDP is a global non-profit organization that operates an environmental disclosure system used by cities, companies and regions to report on climate change, environmental risks and emissions. The information helps investors, residents and other stakeholders assess how organizations are addressing climate challenges.

Coun. Sandy Hickman, council lead for sustainability, said reaching the A List is a major milestone for the city.

“This score reflects the dedicated work at the City of St. John’s and reinforces the City’s commitment to strong climate action and environmental leadership,” Hickman said in a statement.

To receive an A grade, cities must meet several criteria, including publicly disclosing environmental data through the CDP-ICLEI Track platform, maintaining a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory, publishing a climate action plan, completing a climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and setting clear climate adaptation goals.

More than 1,000 cities, states and regions representing over one billion people submitted disclosures to CDP in 2025. St. John’s was among approximately 120 cities worldwide to receive an A grade, placing it among top global performers in environmental transparency and climate action.