Covenant of Mayors: 500 EU Mayors Pledge to Cut CO2 20% by 2020
Amanda Reed, 11 May 10
The Mayor of Stockholm, Sten Nordin, and the First Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, during the Press Conference for the Second Covenant of Mayors Ceremony. Brussels, 4 May 2010. (Photographer: Paul O'Driscoll) (Source)
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Despite a lack of strong international political action on climate change, there is hope in cities. Edie (Environmental Data Interactive Exchange) has posted a short story about the European Union's Covenant of Mayors. Last week more than 500 European mayors signed a declaration to cut CO2 emissions by more than 20% by 2020:
By signing the Covenant of Mayors, they pledge to save energy, foster renewable energy and raise awareness among their citizens.
It's a commendable goal and encouraging that 500 mayors, representing 120 million citizens in 36 countries, want to go beyond the objectives of the EU energy policy and take local action. As the Covenant of Mayors say:
Local authorities have a key role in mitigating climate change. Over half of greenhouse gas emissions are created in and by cities. 80% of the population lives and works in cities, where up to 80% of energy is consumed.
via Edie
A 20% reduction in emmisions does not sound like alot over a 10 year period but I suppose the way to look at it is that at least its a step in the right direction. What I don't understand is how individual city authorities are doing this because they see it to be the right thing to do, yet the EU as well as the other international governments are not prepared to take such actions! We are our own worst enemy at times!
Posted by: james mentz on 18 May 10
in response to Trane, we need to take into account that the total CO2 emited is increasing over time as our society is requesting more and more energy every time, in this sense if the CO2 emited in 10 years is -20% than the one we have now would be an excellent achievement.
Posted by: abc on 6 Oct 10
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