- U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate meets virtually with C40 mayors.
- Discussion focused on the leadership of cities on climate and the momentum they are bringing to international climate efforts.
A group of 19 mayors from major cities across 13 countries, met today with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. The virtual meeting, convened by C40 Cities, provided an opportunity for mayors and Secretary Kerry to discuss collaborations on climate initiatives and continue momentum around a renewed sense of international climate cooperation.
The discussion, led by Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles and C40 Chair, covered the leadership of cities that are already delivering inclusive climate action in line with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Speakers also shared ideas on how to build national government support for city climate action and ambition on the road to COP26.
One year since the launch of the C40 Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force, city leaders welcomed the efforts of the Biden administration to support and invest in a green recovery in the United States. Mayor of Milan and Chair of the Task Force, Giuseppe Sala led his fellow mayors in calling for governments around the world to work with cities to secure a Green and Just Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
“The climate crisis demands leadership, and mayors around the world are providing it through bold and ambitious commitments and actions, in pursuit of a green and just recovery,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. “We will work with them, as part of a global movement to fight climate change, and build a better, greener, and more equitable future.”
“The problems we face as global society – whether rising emissions, a deadly virus, or economic upheaval – aren’t limited by municipal borders or national boundaries, so know our solutions can’t be either,” said C40 Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “With the Biden administration restoring America’s climate leadership worldwide, partnerships like the one between C40 Mayors and Secretary Kerry are instrumental in advancing our collective vision for an equitable, low-carbon recovery from the pandemic.”
“I had a productive meeting with Secretary Kerry and we discussed the importance that cities will play in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change,” said Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp. “We also discussed the immense economic opportunities for cities such as Melbourne to take a lead role in embracing sustainability and attracting the jobs and industries of the future.”
“Freetown, like many other cities, is constantly being innovative about how we address the risks climate change poses for our residents,” said Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. “We continue to call on national governments to look across borders and support sub-national governments if we are to deliver on ambitious global climate targets set. No one country can do it on its own. We need cooperation; we need collaboration; and most importantly, we need cities at the heart of it all.”
“The C40 Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force brought together city leaders from around the world to chart a course for a green and just recovery to the COVID crisis,” said Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan. “Cities have been delivering the bold action needed to make our recommendations a reality, creating good green jobs, investing in fundamental public services and giving space back to people and nature. It is inspiring to know that we now have a committed partner in these efforts in the US Federal Government.”