It's time to translate COP28 pledges into action, cities and regions say

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​EU cities and regions are expecting the European Commission to come up with ambitious 2040 climate targets next week, paving the way for carbon neutrality in 2050. They also stress that the next Commission must continue to strengthen direct collaboration with and support for cities and regions to meet this goal and align with the CHAMP initiative launched at the COP28. This means reinforcing Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogues and ensuring that local and regional actions are integrated into the National Energy and Climate Plans.

In a plenary session debate on 1 February, members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) pointed out that the success of the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal will depend on how the green transition will benefit European citizens and businesses. National governments together with the EU must provide the right financial and legislative enabling conditions, including targeted programs for cities and regions and increased resources in the next EU budget so that local and regional authorities can continue to reduce carbon emissions while fighting energy poverty and ensuring a just transition. Further support will be needed on areas such as tackling labour and skills shortages.

The COP28 climate summit concluded in Dubai in December with historic agreements to transition away from fossil fuels, advance the global goal on adaptation and establish a loss and damage fund. For local and regional authorities, COP28 was a significant step in making their voices heard on the international stage with the organisation of the first ever Local Climate Action Summit, the launch of the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships(CHAMP), and the call for Parties to increase ambition through multilevel action.

Quotes:

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, First Vice-President of the CoR and Governor of Central Macedonia Region, said: "Climate transition will have to happen at local level in order to ensure that the European Green Deal brings prosperity and wellbeing for our communities, while protecting our planet. Cities and regions will continue translating global targets into local actions and working hand in hand with subnational governments around the globe for the implementation of the decisions taken in Dubai, with a view to amplify our voices towards the COP29 in Azerbaijan."

Rafał Trzaskowski(PL/EPP), Mayor of Warsaw and Chair of the CoR's Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE), said: "COP28 conclusions ended up sending a strong signal, signalling a consensus to move away from fossil fuels and a step forward in the inclusion of subnational governments in international climate negotiations. But we all know targets will not solve our issues: pledges need to be translated into real action and supported by adequate financial means, and we do not have much time. Climate neutrality by 2050 is a feasible target only if we put all hands on deck".

Martin Hojsík (SK/Renew Europe), Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the European Parliament delegation to the COP28: "Regions and cities are playing a crucial role against the climate change and theirvoiceneeds to be heard much more on both European and global level. Mayors and regional leaders also lead the way to address the consequences of climate catastrophes, such as droughts, floods or hurricanes. The climate crisis is the biggest threat to humanity yet, but I also believe that dealing with the crisis is the biggest opportunity to make our cities and regions more liveable and bring prosperity and wellbeing to citizens across Europe. This opportunity is in your hands."

More information:

The European Commission is expected to publish a communication on the 2040 climate targets on 6 February. It is expected to include a minimum target of at least 90% net reduction of carbon emissions.

Regions and cities strongly believe that the climate and biodiversity crises need to be tackled in synergy at global level, in connection with the sustainable development goals. The CoR is currently working on an opinion on "Towards a Global Green Deal: harmonizing global frameworks for climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development", which will serve as backdrop to the local and regional governments' participation to the UN biodiversity COP16 in Colombia and the climate COP29 in Azerbaijan in autumn 2024.

Links:

• Statement of the European Committee of the Regions' delegation to the COP28 conclusions
• Let'sact for our planet - Regions&Citiesstories (video)
• EU cities and regions at COP28: We deliver climate action(video)
• Photos of the CoR COP28 delegation in Dubai

Contact:

Lauri Ouvinen
Tel: +32 473536887
lauri.ouvinen@cor.europa.eu