WHY JOINING
The benefits of participating in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy are many.
The most important are:
1
High recognition and international visibility for local authorities on climate and energy action.
2
The opportunity to contribute to develop of national and global climate and energy policies
3
Credible commitment through progress review and monitoring
4
Better financial opportunities for local climate and energy projects
5
Innovative methods of networking, exchanging experiences, and building capacity through regional events, tools, webinars or online discussions.
6
Practical support: Helpdesk and access to a group of Supporters (specialized institutions associated with the Covenant), materials and guiding tools.
7
Quick access to practical knowledge of excellence and inspiring case studies
8
Facilitated self-assessment and changes between partners through common monitoring and reporting models
9
Flexible reference table of action adaptable to the local needs
10
Improved cooperation and support from the national and sub-national authorities
Commitment
A powerful and historic movement
When cities engage in the Global Covenant of Mayors, they demonstrate their leadership, setting an example for cities all over the world to become part of the global solution to climate change. Cities that join the GCoM pledge to develop a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and assessment of climate risks, and set measurable emissions targets, ambitious climate adaptation goals, and sustainable energy access goals in line with the Paris Agreement. Signatories agree to formally adopt plans and targets with three years of making a commitment.
To participate in the GCoM-LAC, the commitment of the city is required, which is reflected in the fulfilment of the established plans and progress reporting. On the other hand, the Covenant offers the member cities a support structure to accomplish their plans and achieve the established objectives. The GCoM-LAC Secretariat seeks cooperation with different financial and technical organizations to promote financial mechanisms to tackle climate change and to offer practical tools that can be used for this purpose.
HOW TO JOIN
Any city in the world with a democratically elected government, regardless of its size or location, can voluntarily join the Covenant. In Latin America, the membership process involves some specific steps:
Initially, the mayor (or equivalent authority) signs a Letter of Commitment: contact one of the National Coordinators in your country and express your interest. They will guide your city in the membership process. If you prefer, download the letter of commitment directly from our website and send the letter signed by the local leader to: [email protected]
To assess the current situation: the municipal greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory. Within one year of the initial step, the city must keep track of its emissions and the impacts of climate change. For this purpose, they must prepare an inventory of total GHG emissions according to the GCoM standard.
To adopt reduction targets and establish a monitoring system: conduct a study of climate threats and vulnerabilities faced by the city. Two years after the commitment, the city must update its inventory and include detailed emissions by source, sector and conduct an analysis of threats and vulnerability to climate risks in accordance with the GCoM standard, and submit the report using one of the official platforms.
To establish an Action Plan: the definition of a reduced target and plans for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Within three years, the city must publish a “Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan” (SECAP) that shows how the city will accomplish its GHG reduction goal and increase its resilience to climate change.
To report progress every year. To continue in accordance with the GCoM, the city must report its progress each year.
Access the commitment letter and take the first step towards a more eco-friendly society.
CITY JOURNEY
Click on the image to know more about each step.