Thank you, Mr. Chair, and honoured delegates for the opportunity to address the distinguished commission.
My name is Emilio D?Alessio, and I am Deputy Mayor of Ancona, Italy.
I am here representing local authorities. Today, 50% of the world?s population resided in cities and towns, contributing 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
At CSD-14, local authorities demonstrated how local policies and actions will meet or exceed targets set by sub-national and national governments. Local authorities own and operate power plants and make decisions on energy sources. Local authorities own and operate buildings, vehicles and facilities such as street lighting, waste management systems, and water supply and treatment. They also make decisions on transportation and transit systems.
Now here at CSD-15, we come to support the adoption of policies that will result in global greenhouse gas reductions.
WE WANT ACTION.
Policy outcomes of CSD-15should include incentives for renewable energy use and energy efficiency goals, the further development of alternative fuels, greenhouse gas reduction targets, and support for public transit. Local authorities would also like to see financial incentives for the use of renewable energy, tougher vehicle efficiency standards, and be given access to the Kyoto financial mechanisms.
WE WANT LEADERSHIP.
Since the first CSD was convened in 1992, scientists have gone from theory to probability to certainty. Policy makers have gone from concepts to detailed plans. The public has gone from oblivious to skeptical, and recently, to true believers and advocates for action. And local government leaders have gone from identifying the impacts at the local level to being the leaders by setting local greenhouse gas reduction targets and developing and implementing action plans with clear timetables.
And where have national governments gone?
As local authorities, we come here to demonstrate that:
�� the public is ready for change. Citizens of the world are willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
�� business and industry are interested and innovative partners.
�� successful climate change mitigation strategies are directly and tangibly contributing to the social and economic vitality, and the health of cities.
This CSD may well be our last opportunity to actively address climate change by reducing the impacts or reversing the current trends. Eyes are upon you, nation states, to see how you address the urgent issue of climate change.
You must take action. Local authorities already have.
