Unprecedented show of ambition from Mayors across Europe on a shared energy transition

More than 200 cities asked EU leaders for far greater ambition in cutting carbon emissions


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Publication date

May 7, 2019

More than 50 Energy Cities members have signed a joint letter to EU leaders for far greater ambition in cutting carbon emissions. The letter calls for a peak in emissions by next year, more than halving emissions by 2030 and a net zero EU by 2050.

In total, 210 cities representing over 62 million citizens responded thanks to a coordinated appeal with the networks C40EurocitiesFedareneCCREICLEIClimate Alliance and Energy Cities.

It is an inspiring display of intent and solidarity.

The letter was sent to leaders within the European Commission, Member States’ governments, MEPs and other leaders. It was important to deliver a strong message for greater climate ambition ahead of the ‘Future of Europe’ conference in Sibiu, Romania on May 9th. 
The message will be further amplified on social media and in the press in the coming days.

The goal is to influence the creation of the EU’s 2050 Long-Term Strategy. Cities need to have a vital role in developing that strategy as the elected leaders who will be most responsible for implementing the strategy. 
That complete strategy will not be decided in Sibiu. And it’s not yet clear how long it will take. That is why we will continue to use the letter and collect signatures in the coming months to increase the pressure on EU leaders.

The collection of signatures will continue leading up to the Sustainable Development Goals meeting at the UN in New York this September. If your city hasn’t been able to sign yet, please let us know if you would like to be included in future actions using the letter and we can add you to the list.

Encouragingly, the UK government’s Climate Change Committee has recently issued a report detailing the necessity and feasibility of going net-zero by 2050. It’s a powerful proof-point that strengthens our call to EU leaders, and adds to the momentum developing that catastrophic climate change might still be avoided.