Historic Presentation of Climate Action Plans in Colombia

 

Tópaga (Colombia), November 28, 2023 – Today, the presentation of the Climate Action Plans for the eight municipalities that are part of the Functional Territorial Region of Climate Change in Colombia took place. The presentation was attended by the elected mayors of all municipalities and the former mayor of Tópaga, Álvaro Henry Barrera Díaz, who strongly promoted the commitment to this activity in the functional region. The newly elected mayors are José Juvenal Torres Cristancho (Tópaga), Edison Patiño (Monguí), Miguel Angel Serrano Cely (Mongua), Gerardo Rincón Camacho (Gámeza), Donald Arley Agudelo Alfonso (Corrales), Rodolfo Andrés Torres Agudelo (Busbanzá), Ricardo Cristancho Fernández (Betéitiva), and Luis Mario Vargas Bernal (Floresta). The momentum of the climate agenda in these 8 municipalities has marked a milestone in the climate governance of the region.

Context of the Functional Territorial Region of Climate Change

The Functional Territorial Region of Climate Change (RFTCC) was established in 2019, as part of the technical support provided by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy to the municipality of Tópaga, in the department of Boyacá, Colombia. Comprising the municipalities of Tópaga, Monguí, Mongua, Gámeza, Corrales, Busbanzá, Betéitiva, and Floresta, the RFTCC was conceived as a catalyst for local governments to effectively address the cross-cutting challenges of development, centered on climate change.

 

Joint Commitment to the Environment

These eight municipalities have joined forces to develop both their Greenhouse Gas Inventories and their Climate Action Plans. Both are aligned with the National Strategy of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Colombia, where ICLEI-Colombia acts as the technical coordinator and chairs the National Advisory Committee (NAC). Along with ICLEI, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities and the Colombian Federation of Municipalities are also part of the NAC and make climate action possible in these Covenant signatory municipalities, thanks to the support of the European Union.

 

Shared Results and Challenges

During the presentation, the eight Climate Action Plans were highlighted, emphasizing the results and processes from inventory development to plan formulation. Given the region’s dependence on mining, significant challenges were identified, including emission reduction and responsible oversight of mining activity in harmony with the needs of the population and the territory.

 

Continued Commitment in Times of Change

The presentation combined technical and political aspects. It is important to note that Colombia underwent regional elections this year, implying a change in local authorities taking office next year. Despite this transition, there is a strong commitment from these municipalities to continue driving the results of these climate action plans. It is expected that the new mayors of the coming year will also commit to this cause.

 

About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is the world’s largest alliance of municipalities and cities committed to leading the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable energy. In Latin America, more than 650 municipalities are committed to the alliance. The mission of the Global Covenant of Mayors is to drive resilience to climate challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable energy.