Thank you, Mr. Chair, for allowing me the honour of speaking on behalf of local
authorities worldwide.
Again we are here to reiterate that Local Authorities are adopting policies and
implementing measures to achieve quantifiable reductions in local greenhouse gas
emissions, which are improving air quality and enhancing urban livability and
sustainability. And Local Authorities are integrating adaptation with real action to reduce
emissions.
I recall, in this exact room one year ago at CSD-14, how much it resonated with all of
you when the youth delegation asked how many of you had children. I could ask a
similar question ? how many of you live in urban centres?
How many of you will be reducing your individual footprint through the policies,
ordinances and innovations that local governments have had the foresight and moral fibre
to implement? From the public transit that you are able to take, from the rebates to
retrofit your residences, from the waste diversion practices in your community.
We had hoped that CSD-15 would further inspire and empower us, indeed had hoped that
you would consider adopting at the national level our successful policies. While this did
not transpire, I can assure you that it will not stop the Mayors of Johannesburg, Nakuru,
Melbourne, Toronto, New York City and others from taking the necessary action to
mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Local governments will continue to fill the leadership void, passed down to us by other
levels of government. As Mrs. Brundtland so eloquently said yesterday, failure is not an
option. We will simply get it done ? by continuing to implement policies and actions that
are either reducing greenhouse gases or adapting to their impacts.
And, we will remain active. We have sent out our call to action at the local, national and
international level. We wait for you to return that call.
Thank you.
