Cities in climate change initiative

Cities worldwide continue to commit themselves to meet or even exceed GHG emission targets, set by national and sub-national governments. As cities can address climate change and pressing local environmental problems (e.g., air pollution, waste and transport) at the same time the challenge remains to link climate change to local environmental and developmental priorities. The provision of alternative sources of energy may be more financially viable than relying on fossil fuels, and energy savings in construction, private and industrial energy use are good for the local/global environment and often pay for themselves. Therefore, a better planned city with reduced urban sprawl and better public transport can reduce a city’s carbon footprint and can also be more efficient and livable for its citizens as well as more attractive for business investments. The goals of the programme are: to promote active climate change collaboration of local governments and their associations in global, regional and national networks; to enhance policy dialogue so that climate change is firmly established on the agenda of local governments; to support local governments in implementing the necessary changes; and to foster the implementation of awareness, education and capacity-building strategies in close collaboration with a wide range of partners.