While negotiations are fully under way at the Marrakesh conference on the climate (COP 22), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) presented its five main priorities for the COP negotiations, on Monday 14 November.
Linda Gillham, CEMR spokesperson on the environment and advisor to the town of Runnymede in the United Kingdom, was keen to point out that, “Today 80% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe come from cities. Likewise, they are at the forefront of taking measures to mitigate climate change’s catastrophic impact on local communities”.
What is the CEMR demanding? Firstly, the organisation is calling for a seat at the table of the COP negotiations and formally joining the EU delegation for future COP summits. It is also calling for the Committee of the Regions’ (CoR) work to be stepped up. Secondly, it is highlighting the need for improved coordination of cohesion policies with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, particularly with regard to the “New Urban Agenda” (EUROPE 11650). Thirdly, the cities and regions are calling for increased financial support to tackle climate change. In this regard, they are highlighting the importance of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI) as the main tool for fighting against climate change at a local level. Fourthly, the organisation is proposing that local action is included in European and national policies, particularly by way of the Urban Agenda for the EU (EUROPE 11552). Finally, the CEMR is proposing to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between cities.
The local and regional authorities are very much at work in Marrakesh and are organising an international summit of local and regional climate representatives in a backdrop to the conference. One important aim of the summit is to get their voices heard by national governments (EUROPE 11667). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)