Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Local authorities at COP28 are calling for increased acknowledgement of their importance in transformative climate action
At COP28, one of the key themes emerging is the role of cities and local governments in climate action, a topic that has not received adequate emphasis in the current Global Stocktake (GST) text. Despite early momentum at the conference for subnational actors, this vital element of multilevel action is missing.
Leaders of city alliances and local government representatives urge governments to include local authorities in designing the next round of national climate action plans and not leave them out again.
Urban leaders play a crucial role in this context, as they are the ones who engage directly with local communities and represent their voices. Their close connection with the grassroots level positions them uniquely to understand and advocate for the needs and concerns of their constituents, making their involvement in decision-making processes not just beneficial, but essential.
Adding to this, Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, points out, "70% of energy is consumed in cities around the world, so you cannot tackle climate change without focusing on cities." This fact underscores the pivotal role of urban areas in both the challenges and solutions to climate change.
In response, ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin made the following statement:
"The message of these government leaders has been clear: Countries can be more ambitious when they include multilevel governance and cooperation in their climate goals and plans. However, we are failing to see that same vision reflected in the currently negotiated Global Stocktake text.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability calls on all UNFCCC Parties — and in particular the 60+ signatories of Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnership for Climate Action (CHAMP) — to state clearly and explicitly in the GST Outcome texts the need to advance multilevel action in the new NDCs towards 2025. ICLEI represents over 2,500 local governments committed to sustainable development and climate action and serves as the focal point for cities and regions to the UNFCCC through the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency.”
Van Begin added that an analysis of more than 60 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) showed that countries that included and accounted for the urban components were likely to show a more ambitious climate action impetus. This alone could serve as a wake-up call to the decision-makers to insist on updating the requirements for the 2025 NDCs by including all levels of government.
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The benefit will last until the Dutch parliament adopts the transgender law
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team