If climate change is global, solutions are first and foremost local. Because large cities are at the crossroads of these two levels, they are at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
This is why, we, the European capitals and metropolises that represent more than 60 million inhabitants and have significant investment capacity (€2tn GDP), have decided to join forces and strengthen the instruments that will lead us toward the energy and environmental transition.
We are addressing the major causes of greenhouse gas emissions: polluting transport, old and/or poorly isolated buildings and energy supply.
In parallel, we are launching ambitious projects such as tackle urban sprawl, (re)introduce nature and biodiversity in our cities, improve recycling, fight against waste, move us towards a circular economy, prioritize public transport, increase electrical mobility, refurbish buildings and improve energy efficiency.
Job creation and the seeking of partnerships with rural neighbouring territories are a crucial challenge to succeed. During this meeting in Paris, on March, 26, 2015, we pledge to move further with our respective climate plans.
The second level of action is the European level. Time has now come for European capitals and metropolises to pool our efforts to tackle climate change. This requires a closer dialogue between cities through a more regular exchange of expertise and good practices.
Since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, 23 years ago, the United Nations has been trying to achieve an international consensus on the issue of climate change while its effects continue to worsen. Today, we have no alternative. The next climate summit in Paris in December 2015 must show that we are fully aware of what is at stake. European metropolises are already acting by proposing local solutions to tackle climate change.
Press link for more: theguardian.com
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