(09 December 2014) – The Committee of the Regions and Climate Alliance have joined forces to call on world leaders to formally recognise the role of local government in their global strategy on climate change.
The message came during a conference co-organised by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Climate Alliance held in Lima where negotiators are thrashing out the detail of a climate change agreement ahead of the major talks in Paris next year.
Representing the CoR, Annabelle Jaeger (PES/France) recalled a UNDP report which points out how the world’s local and regional governments were responsible for 70% of climate mitigation and 90% of adaptation measures. In this regard the CoR is calling on the UN and world leaders to formally include a clear reference to the role of local governments in the final climate change text.
Speakers also shared local experiences and best practices in mitigating climate change in Europe. The example of the Covenant of Mayors – whereby over 6000 local and regional authorities have agreed to meet and exceed the EU’s 20% CO2 reduction objectives by 2020 – was presented as an example of the level of ambition and efforts taken by Europe’s local and regional authorities.