C40 Cities Co-Chairs Mayor Sadiq Khan (London, UK), Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (Freetown, Sierra Leone) and C40 Cities Executive Director Mark Watts have reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of mayors of the world’s leading cities to tackle the climate crisis in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory.
Right now, 56% of the world’s population lives in cities, generating 75% of global emissions. Mayors have long been at the forefront of climate action, delivering innovative policies at the local level to get the world off fossil fuels and improve the lives of city residents.
The role US cities have historically played in bringing the world together to accelerate climate action will not end. C40 mayors in the United States and elsewhere remain focused on achieving the commitments of the Paris Agreement and ensuring continued progress towards reducing emissions, improving resilience, and preventing climate breakdown.
Mayor of London and C40 Co-Chair, Sadiq Khan, said: “The lesson of today is that progress is not inevitable. But asserting our progressive values is more important than ever – re-committing to building a world where racism and hatred is rejected, the fundamental rights of women and girls are upheld, and where we continue to tackle the crisis of climate change head-on.”
Mayor of Freetown and C40 Co-Chair, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said: “The climate crisis is a lived reality threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the Global South through fires, floods, food shortages and mass migration. Cities are vital to tackling this crisis and C40 mayors will continue to do so.
“Mayors and local leaders across the United States and the world remain committed to creating green jobs and economic growth in sustainable industries, protecting our communities from extreme weather, and addressing environmental justice and equity.”
C40 Cities Executive Director, Mark Watts, said: “It’s deeply disappointing to see a climate crisis denier back in the White House. But mayors have always led on climate, and Donald Trump’s election doesn’t change that.
“Mayors will keep pushing for faster, fairer, and bolder climate action that delivers cleaner air, better jobs and more safe and resilient cities.”