From Belo Horizonte (Brazil) to Johannesburg (South Africa), from Paris (France) to Seoul (South Korea), cities around the world are demonstrating collective leadership in tackling climate change. During the ICLEI World Congress 2015, These and 32 other cities have intensified their commitment to climate action, declaring that they will meet the... compliance criteria of Mayors' Compact. The Compact is the largest global coalition of mayors and municipal leaders addressing climate change through voluntary commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, monitoring their progress, and preparing to deal with the impacts of climate change. Led by the global city networks C40, ICLEI, and UCLG, the Compact has important supporters: Michael Bloomberg, as Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Cities and Climate Change, and UN-Habitat.

“One of the most effective ways for cities to combat climate change is through the Compact of Mayors,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Cities and Climate Change. “The Compact reflects the commitment cities are making to reducing carbon emissions and the crucial role they play in creating a healthier future. As nations gather to negotiate a global climate agreement later this year, the Compact of Mayors proves that international cooperation on climate change can yield great results.”

Launched at the UN Climate Summit in 2014, the Compact establishes a common platform for action and monitoring of the impact of collective city actions through standardized, consistent, and public reporting of their efforts. To participate in the initiative, cities must report their commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and begin reporting their targets, risks faced, vulnerability analysis, GHG emissions inventories (in the global GPC standard), and action plans. The reported data will be centralized on the recognized reporting platform. Climate Carbon Registern. More information can be found on the newly launched Mayors' Compact website: compactofmayors.org 

“As I like to say, “Think globally, act locally.” I strongly believe that action needs to come from cities. We are on the front lines when it comes to climate change. Through the adoption of the Compact of Mayors, Montreal commits to other leading cities around the world to fight for cleaner air, a greener planet, and a better sustainable future,” said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, Canada.

“The City of Paris supports the Compact of Mayors launched by ICLEI, C40, and UCLG. With my friends Michael Bloomberg, Eduardo Paes, and Park Won-soon, we are on board for COP21 in Paris,” said Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, France.

These 36 cities joined the first group of 20 Latin American cities that committed to the Compact at the C40 Latin American Mayors Forum in Buenos Aires.

At the event, the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Mauricio Macri, the Mayor of Mexico City, Miguel Mancera, and the former President of Mexico and President of the World Economic Commission, Felipe Calderón, joined the President of the C40 and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, to announce the Declaration of Latin American Cities on the Compact of Mayors.

“By taking these decisive steps here today, Latin American cities are leading the way in driving urban actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, while promoting health, well-being and economic opportunities for citizens,” said the C40 President and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes.

The full list of cities that announced their intention to join the Compact of Mayors during the two events includes:

• Asunción (Paraguay), Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Bogotá (Colombia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cali (Colombia), Caracas (Venezuela), Chihuahua (Mexico), Córdoba (Argentina), Curitiba (Brazil), Mexico City (Mexico), Fortaleza (Brazil), Itu (Brazil), La Paz (Bolivia), Lima (Peru), Medellín (Colombia), Panama City (Panama), Quito (Ecuador), Recife (Brazil), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), São Paulo (Brazil), San Rafael de Heredia (Costa Rica), Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Temixco (Mexico), Toluca (Mexico), Valparaíso (Chile)

• Seoul (South Korea), Catbalogan (Philippines), Quezon City (Philippines), Santa Rosa (Philippines), Sebarang Parai (Indonesia), Balikpapan (Indonesia), Bogor (Indonesia), Gwallor (India), Shimla (India), Tarakan (Malaysia), Melbourne (Australia), Rajkot (India), Singra (Bangladesh)

• Montreal (Canada), Vancouver (Canada), Des Moines (USA), Boulder (USA)

• Vaxjö (Sweden), Paris (France), Freiburg (Germany), Seriferisar (Türkiye), Bristol (United Kingdom)

• Johannesburg (South Africa), Durban (South Africa), Cape Town (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Stanger Municipality (South Africa), Pretoria (South Africa)