The sectoral divisions between climate change mitigation (emissions reduction) and adaptation (responding to the effects of climate change) are inadequate when we consider climate justice and the right to the city, especially when it comes to the needs of peripheral neighbourhoods and people in vulnerable situations. A new mitigation agenda must address both the quality of urban life and the systematic reduction of emissions. Territorial governance models are also essential. This briefing is based on the ‘Transformative Urban Coalitions’ project, which uses ‘Urban Labs’ to innovate in citizen participation, which not only involves diverse actors taking a leading role, but also integrates territorial and climate issues.