The Global Covenant of Mayors in Latin America is strengthened and recognizes 59 cities with medals for their progress in climate change adaptation and mitigation actions during the 2021 reporting cycle. These medals were awarded by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, which is funded in Latin America by the European Union.
Data reported by local governments on the CDP-ICLEI Track reporting platform, and institutionally validated, indicate that 104 municipalities received recognition for their progress in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and 35 advanced in climate change adaptation. Full Compliance recognition was awarded to 12 municipalities for having completed all stages in both mitigation and adaptation areas, concluding their Climate Action Plans.
“We are very pleased and motivated by the progress of Latin American local governments, which have clearly prioritized the fight against climate change. The over 100 medals awarded in the region are a testament to innovative and fundamental climate actions to address the planetary crisis, marked by both the climate crisis and ecological crisis and biodiversity loss,” highlighted Jordan Harris, Coordinator of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in the Americas. “Cities are leaders in driving the climate and sustainability agenda, and with the support of the European Union, the GCoM will continue to support mayors across the region,” he added.
The GCoM acknowledges that this result is also due to the mobilization and direct support of National Coordinators and City Networks that support the initiative. “National coordinators play a crucial role in the implementation and consolidation of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Latin America. Their support is extremely important for committed local governments to continue advancing towards their goals and strengthen local capacities to address the multiple challenges and threats of climate change,” Harris emphasized.
Stephanie Horel, EU program officer, highlighted the importance of Latin American cities’ participation in the fight against climate change and congratulated them on their progress. She noted, “There are a significant number of cities that have gained international recognition within this alliance. This represents very important and hard work by municipal teams.” Horel also extended special thanks to the national coordinators for their tireless work supporting municipalities that have received recognition. “We continue to work together,” she concluded.
The Latin American region is key in the climate fight. It is one of the most urbanized regions in the world, with approximately 650 million inhabitants, representing 8.38% of the global population. Currently, the region has over 539 signatory cities, benefiting more than 183 million people, around 28% of the region’s population. The potential impact, both in reducing greenhouse gases and in adaptation capacity, is enormous.
The Badge System of the GCoM
The badges represent recognition for governments’ progress in actively fighting climate change and provide transparency for municipalities’ initiatives within the GCoM.
In Latin America, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy has reached over 500 signatory cities. The global alliance of local governments now includes over 11,700 cities across six continents, representing more than one billion people worldwide. Globally, the GCoM is committed to ambitious action to provide a historic and powerful response to climate change.
