Declaring a climate emergency
Every three years, C40 mayors come together to make commitments, hold each other accountable, and set the agenda for city climate action on the global stage.
The C40 World Mayors Summit 2019 in Copenhagen took place at a critical moment: youth activists were leading climate strikes around the world, and cities were under pressure to show what real climate action looked like.
Mayors used the Summit to declare a global climate emergency and launch the Global Green New Deal, a commitment to put inclusive climate action at the heart of city decision-making. They did it in partnership with young people, workers, businesses and communities, bringing together voices from across cities.
Launching the Global Green New Deal
The Summit’s landmark announcement was the Global Green New Deal, launched by incoming C40 Chair Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, alongside outgoing Chair Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris. Backed by mayors from 94 cities, the commitment recognised a global climate emergency and pledged to put inclusive climate action at the heart of urban decision-making.
The Global Green New Deal brought together mayors, youth climate activists, labour unions, businesses and civil society around a shared vision: cutting emissions from transport, buildings and waste to keep global heating below levels outlined in the Paris Agreement, while building fairer cities and creating green jobs.
Key highlights from the Summit
Emissions: 30 cities announced they had peaked their emissions and were making progress towards net zero.
Clean air: 35 mayors signed the C40 Clean Air Cities Declaration, committing to meet World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines by 2030 and protect the health of more than 140 million people.
Food: 14 cities signed the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration, committing to promote sustainable diets and reduce food waste by 50% from 2015 levels.
Youth: The C40 Global Youth Initiative launched, bringing young climate leaders into direct collaboration with mayors. More than 100 young activists met in Copenhagen as part of the Summit, with their proposals developed through a day-long takeover of Copenhagen City Hall.
Business: The City-Business Climate Alliance launched, a joint initiative with CDP and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to help cities and businesses work together on climate action.
Women in climate: The Women4Climate Tech Challenge launched, showcasing innovative climate solutions designed by women.
New members: Istanbul signed onto C40’s Deadline 2020 initiative, becoming the 104th city to commit to delivering a climate action plan aligned with the Paris Agreement.
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Cities are delivering climate action that addresses inequality, creates good green jobs, and ensures everyone has access to clean air, healthy food, and safe homes.
