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Press release | 07.05.2019

Climate Action Call issued as cities worldwide declare climate emergency

Climate Alliance joins coalition urging European leaders to take decisive action on climate ahead of EU elections

 

Brussels/Frankfurt, 7 May 2019. Stakeholders across Europe have launched a Climate Action Call today in Brussels. “Hundreds of cities across Europe and the globe are declaring a climate emergency. They are reaching towards zero carbon and setting 100% renewable energy goals, thus contributing to climate justice the world over,” explains Thomas Brose, Executive Director of Climate Action Call signatory Climate Alliance. “It is time for current and future EU policymakers to help turn this local level ambition into a European reality.” The call comes ahead of the EU Heads of State and Government debate on the Future of Europe on 9 May and the European elections from 23 and 26 May. In parallel, more than 200 mayors are sending an open letter to the European Council and its Member States calling for more climate ambition. Signatories of the Climate Action Call demand that current and future EU leaders act on public and local government mobilisation by publicly committing to make climate action a priority in upcoming debates.

The call spells out five steps for the new European Parliament and Commission as well as all EU Member State governments:

  1. Commit to accelerate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions as soon as possible.
  2. Plan the end of the use of fossil fuels and provide strong support to energy efficiency, renewable energy and emission cuts outside the energy sector.
  3. Safeguard a just and fair transition and ensure that the EU increases its support to developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
  4. Increase efforts to roll out the circular economy and increase resource efficiency.
  5. Recognise biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration as a crucial component of climate action.

Hundreds of cities, businesses, investors, scientists, faith groups and civil society organisations, including climate, human rights, litigation, citizens’ mobilisation and sports groups have taken up this unprecedented Climate Action Call to pro-foundly alter the way we run our societies and economies and limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Further information

Contact

Sarah Mekjian, Climate Alliance, T. +49 69 7171 39 -20,  E. s.mekjian(at)climatealliance.org