Today, C40 mayors across Europe including Vice-Chairs Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, convened with C40 Chair and Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti to discuss how cities are leading the Green and Just recovery from COVID-19.
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles and C40 Chair said:
"I was inspired to join my fellow mayors from C40's European cities today to learn about the incredible work they're doing to advance an equitable and inclusive recovery. In the midst of a global pandemic, C40 mayors continue to demonstrate the power of bold, creative leadership.
"Together, we share a vision for a green and just recovery that prioritizes efforts to create green jobs, invest in crucial public services, protect mass transit, and support essential workers. To emerge stronger from this unprecedented moment, we need a Global Green New Deal that tackles the climate emergency, public health crisis, and inequality together — so that all people, everywhere, can thrive for generations to come."
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:
“The climate emergency remains one of the biggest threats we face. Citizens around the world are demanding action and we must accelerate a green recovery. As we emerge from lockdown, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish a new, fairer and low-carbon economy that benefits everyone.
“Through my Green New Deal I am driving London’s economic and social recovery and ensuring it also tackles the climate emergency. We are expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone, supporting the electrification of London’s bus fleet and helping the small green businesses which provide the innovative technologies, goods and services we need.
“The research published today helps us identify the sectors most impacted by the transition to a zero-carbon economy and ensure they are central to our efforts to increase green jobs through tackling the climate emergency.”
Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and C40 Vice-Chair, said:
"Mayors from the world’s leading cities have been on the frontlines of responding to the global COVID crisis. In their Green and Just Recovery Agenda, C40 mayors have outlined a plan to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic. I was honoured to meet with my fellow mayors from across Europe today. We know we must act swiftly.
"We call on nations to properly include cities in the development of national recovery plans and to make sure that any COVID-19 stimulus is green, fair and just. Whether the world is able to come together in this moment of profound threat and vast possibility in order to deliver transformational change, starting with a green and just recovery from COVID-19 will define the future of all life on our planet."