24 October 2008: Mayors and senior officials from 36 of the world’s largest cities gathered from 22-24 October 2008, in Tokyo, Japan, for talks on how to fight global warming in the latest meeting of the so-called C40 climate initiative. (Note: both Sydney and Melbourne are member cities of C40)
The C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, established in 2005 by London’s then mayor Ken Livingstone, includes leaders from the 40 largest cities in the world dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that cities worldwide are responsible for 75% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Participants then engaged in five sessions on:
- sustainable adaptation measures for temperature rise in cities;
- adaptation measures for water shortage and deteriorating water source quality from climate change;
- adaptation measures for the increasing threat of flood and natural disaster from climate change;
- food problems caused by climate change; and
- further issues needing adaptation measures.
More information at: C40 Tokyo Summit,22-24 Oct 2008
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The next Summit is scheduled to take place in Seoul, Korea, from 18-21 May 2009, around the theme “Cities’ Achievements and Challenges in the Fight against Climate Change.”
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More information at: C40 Seoul Summit, 18-21 May 2009
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Some suggestions on how cities can help fight climate change:
- Creating building codes and standards that include practical, affordable changes that make buildings cleaner and more energy efficient.
- Conducting energy audits and implementing retrofit programs to improve energy efficiency in municipal and private buildings.
- Installing more energy efficient traffic and street lighting.
- Implementing localised, cleaner electricity generation systems.
- Developing bus rapid transit and non-motorised transport systems.
- Using clean fuels and hybrid technologies for city buses, rubbish trucks, and other vehicles.
- Implementing schemes to reduce traffic, such as congestion charges.
- Creating waste-to-energy systems at landfills.
- Improving water distribution systems and leak management.
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