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This paper seeks to present the main drivers for climate agenda advance in the city of Recife in Brazil, discussing how geographical characteristics and the historical urbanization process of the city have contributed to the climate risks and vulnerabilities. A city profile is designed and the literature about drivers to cities actions to climate change are used as theoretical basis. The presence of committed leaders, multilevel governance, being part of multinational cities networks and access to funding are traditional fundamental factors identified in the literature to strength climate agenda in a city which were also found in Recife. The climate risks imposed to cities with lower development level were found as important driver to climate action, unlike what previous studies showed for European cities. The article contributes evidencing factors that can decisively assist cities to strength the climate agenda, mainly in developing or less developed countries. It also provides insights for academics and policymakers about low carbon urban strategies that can be adopted by cities. This is the first city profile to address the relationship between the impacts of urban evolution in a Latin American city and the threats imposed by climate change. • The presence of committed leaders, multilevel governance, being part of multinational cities networks and access to funding are traditional fundamental factors identified in the literature to strength climate agenda in a city which were also found in Recife. • The climate risks imposed to cities with lower development level were found as important driver to climate action, unlike what previous studies showed for European cities. • Cities, especially in developing and less developed countries, can exploit these drivers to strengthen their climate agenda. The path adopted by Recife can serve as an example in their climate planning. • The institutionalization of the climate agenda is fundamental to avoid interferences due to changes in the city's political management. The formation of climate leaders is essential to reduce the need of external support. The multilevel governance must be strengthened. Capacity building, finance, and cooperation with other cities is fundamental to move forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]