urban systemic change
Partners to the delivery of the Paris Agreement, cities are fostering radical change and, in greater numbers, supporting the targets set by their nations by taking voluntary, ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increasing local-level resilience and providing access to secure, affordable and sustainable energy for their communities. The collective potential of the more than 9,000 cities and local governments committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors, if fully implemented, could achieve annual reductions of 1.4 Gt CO2e in 2030 and 2.8 Gt CO2e in 2050 from BAU. Our collective impact can make significant progress in securing a climate-safe world and in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Which Cities are taking action?
Over 9,000 cities representing more than 750 million people have committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors
Regional Impacts of Global Covenant of Mayors Cities
Global Covenant of Mayors cities in all regions could avoid significant emissions compared to business-as-usual scenarios
Note: The emission estimates include both cities that have and have not reported their emission reduction targets. Emission levels for the latter are estimated based on approximation with reference cities that have share the similar characteristics. As cities report their emission reduction targets, data gaps and uncertainty will improve.
Impacts of Global Covenant of Mayors Cities
Cities and towns could avoid emitting nearly 1.4 billion tons of emissions in 2030 and 2.8 billion tons of emissions in 2050
Note: The graph shows the collective emission trajectories for all Global Covenant of Mayors cities under business-as-usual and target scenarios (avoided emissions if targets are set), with the NDC commitment line highlighted in a BAU scenario. Interact with the graph to display results for cumulative and annual avoided emissions.
The emission estimates include both cities that have and have not reported their emission reduction targets. Emission levels for the latter are estimated based on approximation with reference cities that share the most similar characteristics. Uncertainty levels will decrease as more cities publically report their emission reduction targets.
Adapting to Climate Change
GCoM cities are preparing for the future through identifying hazards and enhancing climate resilience
Note: Based on data from 300 GCoM cities.
Commit to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
GCoM cities are united in their shared goals to increase access to renewable, clean energy, build healthy environments, and promote initiatives and best practices that will accelerate the fight against climate change. Together, we will show the collective impact of cities and local governments, and be a force in realizing our vision to achieve a sustainable future.