A statement from Eduardo Paes, C40 Chair and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro
“Today marks an historic moment in which the world’s nations have achieved a common agreement that will set the direction for global efforts to meet the climate change challenge. On behalf of C40 cities, representing more than half a billion people and a quarter of the global economy, I congratulate the negotiators in Paris for their efforts and the commitment of national leaders to deliver this deal. It is an important step forward. The biggest challenge remains – which is to move decisively on to a low carbon development path, so that emissions have peaked by the time the agreement comes into force in 2020.
"Cities are emerging from COP21 with a renewed sense of purpose and even stronger dedication to the work we are already doing through our commitment to the Compact of Mayors, a global coalition of cities and mayors pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, track their progress transparently and enhance their resilience to climate change. We will not be standing still in the years ahead to 2020. Rather, we will continue to lead innovation and investment in solutions, working in partnership with investors, businesses and other subnational actors; and we will do so with newfound confidence that national governments are behind us, ready to provide the finance, political leadership, and collaboration needed to navigate the road from Paris.”
