Today marks a major milestone for the European Commission's Mayors Adapt initiative,
with 100 European cities now committed to take action to tackle climate
change. European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard
welcomed mayors from across Europe at an official signing ceremony
pledging their commitment to the scheme. During the day-long event,
participants will have an opportunity to discuss how cities can better
prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change and exchange
experience and good practice.
EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said:"When we
launched Mayors Adapt in March, we aimed to build a network of at least
50 cities by the end of the year. We already have 100 and more are
queuing up to join. Our cities are building up their resilience against
climate change. That is great news for citizens and businesses. Good
preparation will be much cheaper than cleaning up afterwards - and it
can save lives."
The A-Z of signatory cities runs from Agueda in Portugal to
Zwijndrecht in Belgium and also includes Barcelona, Copenhagen,
Frankfurt, Glasgow, Lisbon, Munich, Naples and Rotterdam. Former Mayor
of New York City, Michael Bloomberg addressed participants by video
message and Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change joined the event by live
video link. EU Commissioner for Regional and Urban Policies, Johannes
Hahn, will also participate at the event.
Background
Mayors Adapt was launched in March 2014, in the framework of the
successful Covenant of Mayors initiative. While this concentrates on
efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Mayors Adapt focuses on
adaptation measures. As major centres of population and infrastructure,
cities are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and the
adverse effects of climate change. Local authorities therefore play a
key role in implementing the measures to mitigate and adapt to a
changing climate.
By joining the Mayors Adapt initiative, participating local
authorities will benefit from support for local activities to tackle
climate change, a platform for cooperation, and greater public awareness
about adaptation and the measures that need to be taken.