C40 is pleased to welcome Auckland – our first member city from New Zealand – to our global network of cities committed to tackling climate change.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city – home to 1.57 million people – and the country’s major economic center.
“Auckland is an exceptionally diverse city made up of around 200 different ethnicities,” said Mayor Len Brown. “It is the capital of the Polynesia and the 1.6 million Aucklanders share the grave concerns of Pasifika people about the effects of climate change. By joining C40, Auckland will have access to more than 80 like-minded cities around the world, finding and implementing innovative solutions to the common climate challenges we face. As Mayor of Auckland, I look forward to working with my fellow civic leaders in the C40 network to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
With aims to become the world’s most liveable city, Auckland has set a target of 40% emissions reduction by 2040 based on 1990 levels, a goal which is supported through the implementation of the Low Carbon Auckland Action Plan. The city is also embarking on major transformations of its transport system and urban development. For example, in response to an increase in public transport patronage from 60 million trips in 2010 to over 80 million trips in 2015, Auckland Council is investing well over NZ$3 billion over 10 years to create a modern and efficient public transport system.
The city is also developing a Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan, which builds in climate adaptation throughout and ensures far better coordination around natural hazards and climate resilience work.
"The addition of Auckland strengthens our global network as we seek to create liveable cities for urban citizens today, and a sustainable future for generations to come. C40 now provides more opportunities than ever for cities to share similar challenges and collaborate on finding and implementing climate solutions,” said C40 Chair, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes. “In the wake of the historic Paris Agreement agreed this month, major action by cities and other non-state actors is required to support that deal and put the world on a path to climate safety. I look forward to partnering with Mayor Brown to help build a sustainable future for all.”
Auckland brings C40’s global membership to 83 cities. Learn more about our diverse member cities here.