Mayors from many of the world's most powerful cities have warned that the recovery from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic should not be a return to 'business as usual', as the world needs to avoid climate change's disastrous impacts, according to a press release published by C40 Cities on Thursday.
C40 mayors representing more than 750 million people worldwide have published a 'statement of principles', which pledges 'to build a better, more sustainable and fairer society out of the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.'
The statement, which has so far been signed by mayors representing 33 world cities, also warns that the recovery from COVID-19 'should not be a return to 'business as usual' - because that is a world on track for 3 degrees Celcius or more of over-heating.'
It also states that climate action can help 'accelerate economic recovery and enhance social equity, through the use of new technologies and the creation of new industries and new jobs.'
The task force will establish a common framework that all of C40's global membership can use to create a 'new normal' for city economies; agree upon concrete measures they can put in place for recovery; how to communicate about the climate crisis in a post-COVID-19 world; and how can they influence stimulus packages and interventions to support the necessary transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon, inclusive and healthier economy for people and the planet,' the press release said.
C40 is a network of the world's megacities committed to addressing climate change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change.
Mayors of the C40 cities are committed to delivering on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level, as well as to cleaning the air.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr