Local authorities’ commitment – a sound basis for a future international agreement
While waiting for a credible post-Kyoto decision, there are several reasons to think positive. The Covenant of Mayors, with its currently 2150 signatories from 46 countries, is the most famous initiative which involves the local level together with the regional, national and EU level. Those dynamics on the ground are convincing arguments to lobby for a future agreement. At the same time, they are also an essential mean to prepare the energy future. That is why Energy Cities is a strong supporter of the initiative.
The climate, an urgency - the energy, a priority
Indeed, climate problems have to be resolved to keep our planet livable. But we should not ignore that energy matters are just as urgent to keep our communities livable ! The future scarcity of fossil fuels can endanger the security of supply of our cities, which could become vulnerable for the short term. In its World Energy Outlook 2010, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has not only surprised with the information that peak oil might already have been reached in 2006. It also stated that, in the absence of an agreement and a vigorous implementation of national climate pledges, oil prices could double in the future. The US Army and the German Bundeswehr had recently warned their respective governments about the consequences of peak oil on democracy, economy, peace and social cohesion.
Energy prices rise and will continue to do so at accelerated speed in the future. Therefore, an increasing number of local authorities focus their energy strategies on reducing the vulnerability of their territories. By acting in the energy field, they are also acting for the climate.
Reality on the ground shows that energy-related issues (energy savings, energy efficiency, renewables) linked to a favourable territorial development are powerful to motivate local authorities, citizens and their various stakeholders to act. In the absence of a comprehensive international agreement, it will be necessary to ‘re-energise’ and ‘re-localise’ the current debate.
No European objectives without local actions
Europe has a great role to play in taking a proactive position in the debate and in supporting concrete actions. Therefore, Energy Cities welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to strengthen its CO2 reductions target from 20% to 30% by 2020 (on the basis of 1990).
Energy Cities - with its 1000 members in 30 Member States - will warrant the energy transition at the local level to reach a high quality of life for all in low-energy cities. How ? By fostering exchange of know-how, encouraging cities to innovate and adopt new forms of governance, cooperation and of foresighted action.
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