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100 European cities sign up to action on climate change

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15307207221_bf91ba8685_cToday (16 October) marks a major milestone for the European Commission's Mayors Adapt initiative, with 100 European cities now committed to take action to tackle climate change. Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard welcomed mayors from across Europe at an official signing ceremony pledging their commitment to the scheme. During the day-long event, participants will have an opportunity to discuss how cities can better prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change and exchange experience and good practice.

Hedegaard said: "When we launched Mayors Adapt in March, we aimed to build a network of at least 50 cities by the end of the year. We already have 100 and more are queuing up to join. Our cities are building up their resilience against climate change. That is great news for citizens and businesses. Good preparation will be much cheaper than cleaning up afterwards - and it can save lives."

The A-Z of signatory cities runs from Agueda in Portugal to Zwijndrecht in Belgium and also includes Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Lisbon, Munich, Naples and Rotterdam. Former Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg addressed participants by video message and Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change joined the event by live video link. EU Commissioner for Regional and Urban Policies, Johannes Hahn, will also participate at the event.

Background

Mayors Adapt was launched in March 2014, in the framework of the successful Covenant of Mayors initiative. While this concentrates on efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Mayors Adapt focuses on adaptation measures. As major centres of population and infrastructure, cities are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and the adverse effects of climate change. Local authorities therefore play a key role in implementing the measures to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.

By joining the Mayors Adapt initiative, participating local authorities will benefit from support for local activities to tackle climate change, a platform for cooperation, and greater public awareness about adaptation and the measures that need to be taken.

For further information, click here.

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