Miami, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona of the United States are the newest members of C40 Cities. They join 94 cities worldwide in a global network committed to exhibiting leadership in tackling climate change to increase the environmental and economic wellbeing of their residents.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego both lead cities on the front lines of the climate crisis and have demonstrated their national and global leadership on climate through their innovative and inclusive solutions.
The City of Miami, which declared a climate emergency in November 2019, faces many climate challenges, notably sea-level rise, flooding and major storm events. Mayor Suarez has committed Miami to develop and begin implementing a comprehensive climate action plan before the end of 2020. The mayor is focusing on reducing carbon emissions from transportation, improving building energy efficiency, increasing green energy supplies and changing consumption patterns.
“Miami continues to take bold actions to adapt to our climatic challenges,” said Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez. “Being selected to this esteemed network of global cities committed to climate solutions highlights our leadership in preparing for and responding to environmental threats and gives us a seat at the table with other global leaders to collaborate over future solutions together.”
Phoenix is a booming city addressing extreme heat, water stewardship, the circular economy, and accelerated decarbonization though an ambitious combination of climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience and equity policies. Mayor Gallego’s administration has put particular emphasis on reducing emissions from the transportation sector, and given its desert location, implementing heat mitigation strategies. A strong proponent of light rail and urban density, Mayor Gallego chaired the city’s transportation plan and championed the expansion of light rail in the city’s most recent election.
“Phoenix is the fastest growing city in America. This growth has spurred unprecedented economic development, but it has also meant taking a harder look at the sustainability challenges facing a city located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert,” said Mayor of Phoenix Kate Gallego. “The C40 collective represents one-twelfth of people worldwide, and I know that, as a desert city, we bring unique experience and perspective to the table. Phoenix has affirmed our unwavering commitment to the tenets set forth in the Paris Climate Accord, and we continue to work toward a more sustainable future. Our membership in C40 reflects this commitment, as well as our desire to learn even more ways to enhance our climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.”
“The cities of C40 are some of the most important leaders in the fight to halt the climate crisis and forge a more sustainable future — because while others make promises, we enact policies that address this emergency head-on,” said C40 Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “With Miami and Phoenix now joining our ranks, I have no doubt that our local governments will continue to lead the charge on this global challenge: sustain life as we know it, promote equity across borders, and build an economy that works for everyone.”