Munich has developed a comprehensive and evolving climate governance framework since the early 2000s, combining long-term targets, institutional reforms, and evidence-based planning. Following early policy milestones and the adoption of the Integrated Action Program for Climate Protection, the city committed to steadily reducing per-capita CO₂ emissions and embedded climate action across all municipal departments. Civil society mobilization in 2019 accelerated ambition, leading to a declared climate emergency, earlier climate neutrality targets, mandatory climate impact assessments, and the establishment of a Climate Council. These commitments were operationalized through refined climate impact checks and a comprehensive climate program emphasizing interdepartmental coordination and participatory approaches. Foundational expert studies commissioned in 2021–2022 identified key transformation levers across buildings, energy, transport, and the economy, informing a formalized pathway toward climate neutrality by 2035. Munich has since advanced sectoral implementation, notably through pioneering municipal heat planning centered on climate-neutral geothermal district heating, and through integrated air quality and transport measures. International city networks and EU initiatives, including the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, have further reinforced Munich’s climate strategy by aligning local action with European governance frameworks.