Belfast is applying to join C40, a climate action network comprising 97 cities around the world.
Belfast City Council has agreed for the Lord Mayor Christina Black to apply on behalf of Belfast City Council and her office to join the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and sign up to its “leadership standards.” The group represents one twelfth of the world's population and one quarter of the global economy.
C40 focuses on fighting climate change and driving urban action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other climate risks, as well as health and economic issues facing urban citizens. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London has been the C40's chairperson since last year, while former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg is president of the board.
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The official group website states: “C40’s mission is to halve the emissions of its member cities within a decade, while improving equity, building resilience, and creating the conditions for everyone, everywhere to thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are on the leading edge of climate action, and are deploying a science-based and collaborative approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.
“C40 member cities earn their membership through action. C40’s most distinguishing feature is that it operates on performance-based requirements, not membership fees. C40’s Leadership Standards set the minimum requirements for all member cities and ensure the integrity of C40 as a network of climate leaders.”
At Belfast Council’s recent Standards and Business Committee, elected members agreed to adopt and agree a People Before Profit proposal.
The motion, by Councillor Matt Collins states: “Belfast City Council notes that the C40 World Mayors Summit brings together the mayors of global and regional cities, alongside business leaders, philanthropists, campaigners, youth leaders, scientists and residents, to share bold ideas, showcase innovative solutions and stand together to create a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future.
"This council notes that it already supports the work of the Belfast Climate Commission and is part of the Place-based Climate Action Network.”
It adds: “The council considers that this Place-based Climate Action Network work would be enhanced by Belfast City Council applying to join C40 as an “Innovator.” An “Innovator” city is one that shows exceptional climate leadership at the global level, but does not meet the population/size criteria of a “Megacity.””
Belfast Council in the interim has committed to upholding C40 “leadership standards.” This involves the city adopting “a resilient and inclusive climate action plan aligned with the 1.5˚C ambition of the Paris Agreement,” and halving overall emissions by 2030.
The council has also committed to using “necessary financial, regulatory and other tools at their disposal to address the climate crisis” and “taking inclusive and resilient action to address emissions beyond the direct control of the city government, such as associated with goods and services consumed in the city.”
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