April 19, 2023. Brasília, Brazil — Cities and local governments worldwide are taking bold steps to address climate change and promote sustainable development. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy of the Americas initiative, funded by the European Union, is crucial in supporting and amplifying these efforts. This year, the Covenant’s medal system awarded 65 medals for greenhouse gas emission mitigation actions and 106 for climate change adaptation. Additionally, 17 compliance medals were awarded for completing all stages in both areas and concluding their climate action plans.
Hélinah Cardoso Moreira, Coordinator of the Global Covenant for the Americas, emphasized that the medals recognize cities’ urgent progress in climate action. “The effects of climate change are visible everywhere in the world. Therefore, the environmental agenda must increasingly be present in daily public policies, and cities deserve recognition for their achievements in favor of the climate and a more just and sustainable society,” Cardoso highlighted.
Stephanie Horel from the Delegation of the European Union in Brazil, which is responsible for implementing the project, noted that the EU congratulates Latin American cities for their commitment and effort in fighting climate change. She also thanked the regional and national coordinators for their tireless work supporting the awarded municipalities. “This is a strong signal of cities’ commitment to their work in an alliance against the effects of climate change in the Americas. Local governments are the most impacted by these effects, and the mayors are on the front lines to solve citizens’ problems. These medals are a recognition of the work that cities have been doing.”
Latin America is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it is one of the most urbanized regions in the world, according to CEPAL. According to the Covenant’s Impact Report, the region’s main risks and vulnerabilities include extreme precipitation (16%), drought (15.5%), extremely high temperatures (15.2%), floods and sea level rise (14.2%), and storms and winds (10.7%). The 2022 local governments report also clarified that the energy sector is one of the most vulnerable. Currently, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy has reached over 598 signatory cities in Latin America, benefiting more than 195 million people through the climate actions carried out by each of them.
For Miriam García, Associate Director of Political Engagement at the Carbon Disclosure Project Latin America (CDP), municipalities and their leaders are fundamental in the fight against climate change. García explains that accountability and transparency are essential in municipal management work to strengthen actions that make their communities more resilient, safe, and inclusive in the face of adverse climate impacts. “With the support of organizations like the CDP and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, municipalities in the region have advanced in implementing projects and programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural ecosystems, adopt cleaner technologies, and promote the circular economy,” García stated. “The joint actions of these organizations with the municipalities, through training programs, opportunity connections, and assessments, are catalysts for prosperous and sustainable communities,” she emphasized.
The European Union project’s medal system recognizes the progress of local governments in actively combating climate change and brings transparency to municipal initiatives. Globally, the Global Covenant of Mayors includes over 12,600 cities across six continents, representing over a billion people. Together, we are committed to ambitious action to provide a historic and swift response to climate change.
For more information: [email protected]