The Local Government Climate Change Leadership Summit ended up with a call to the UN climate negotiations. The call is to be sent to national governments in all countries of the world. The UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments) has now worked out a model letter for this purpose.
In the UN's negotiation text, there are now more than 100 explicit references to the involvement of local government. The role of local governments is acknowledged under all the chapters, namely long-term cooperative action, adaptation, mitigation and action on financing, technology and capacity-building.
The risk: It is possible that these references disappear in the negotiations. From now until the end of 2009, local government efforts will need to focus on retaining the references in the text currently under discussion. Local governments will need to insist on the following needs:
- To recognize the role of cities and local and regional authorities in the implementation and definition of national climate change strategies
- To enhance the capacity and knowledge of local and regional authorities
- To provide adequate financial resources and mechanisms
Local Government Denmark and the UCLG therefore urge local governments and municipal associations throughout the world to send a letter to national governments on the role of local and regional authorities in the climate negotiations.
The UN negotiation text (as of July 2009) and the model letter can be downloaded to the right.
Immediate action to combat climate change is needed
– and municipalities play a crucial role in this respect.
Photo: European Commission