Role of Cities in Post-Kyoto Climate Change Financing

Cities in a Post-2012 Climate Policy Framework (96 page pdf, ICLEI Global Reports, 2010)

Also discussed here: ICLEI report on ‘Cities in a Post-2012 Climate Policy Framework’ (UCT Centre of Criminology, May 10, 2010)

And here: World Mayors Council on Climate Change

The report reviewed today examines the role of cities in combating climate change – a role which has been largely overlooked in the two decades of international negotiations aimed at agreement on a global and national targets for emissions reduction. Cities with their direct link to energy consumption as well as, in many cases, to alternative energy  sources have a critical role to play but first their mayors need to be given (or allowed) a greater say in finding the ways. The World Mayors Council on Climate Change is a start, promoted and supported by ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) which sponsored this report.

Key Quotes:

“climate change… is a particular threat for cities in developing countries..characterized by high vulnerability as many lack the resilience to cope with impacts of climate change such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels”

“the report illuminates the ways in which existing financing mechanisms are perceived by city decision makers, reveals barriers to local government action or understand and records the tools technologies and dialogues which have benefited local governments in pursuing mitigation and adaptation activities”

“a communication and information shortage exists around the international financing options for climate change. Senior city decision makers state a lack of awareness of and information concerning these opportunities”

“International financing options need to take into account and be integrated with existing city actions – actions taken by cities according to local conditions and national and international regulatory frameworks comprehensive city planning and procedures that include climate change criteria along with other sustainability objectives”

“energy generation from fossil fuels for buildings (residential and non residential), vehicle sue and industry as the main sources of direct emissions from cities. Main sources of indirect emissions from the generation of electricity for different purposes. These interact with urban density, urban form and the use of transport but also with urbanization through land-use changes.”