Helen Bray’s Post

C40 welcomes the European Commission's latest 2040 climate targets, setting a path to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. To achieve this, we urge the European institutions and Member States to: ⬆️ Increase climate ambition and ensure alignment with the EU scientific advisory board’s recommendation of a 90-95% emissions reduction by 2040. 📢 Ensure cities have a say in developing and implementing measures such as the Fit for 55 green transition package to accelerate impactful and equitable action. 💶 Speed up the flow of urban climate finance to enable a just transition and help cities deliver 50 million good, green jobs. Read more from C40 Vice Chairs, Giuseppe Sala and Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, on their vision for a safe and more sustainable Europe: https://bit.ly/3UShNwn #UnitedInAction

The recent proposal by the European Commission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% (with a 1990 baseline) is a good first step towards fully decarbonising our region by 2050 or earlier. The science is clear: we need to act now. The EC recommendation comes at a crucial moment in Europe, with protests all over the continent and the EU Green Deal put on the spot in view of the upcoming European elections in June. Mayors are ready to play an active role in ensuring that the climate transition protects the most vulnerable communities and sectors from the injustices of the climate breakdown. The green transition needs to be just and fair, and those that fear its consequences, reassured that their concerns will be addressed equitably. Mayors are looking forward to working very closely with the new European Commission, following the June elections, in ensuring that the proper policies and investments necessary to make the green transition a reality for all Europeans. Read the full statement from C40 Vice Chairs below ⬇️

What do C40 Cities Mayors have to say about the European Commission proposal on the #2040climatetargets? While the proposal might seem ambitious, a lot remains to be seen on whether such an ambitious target will be finally approved and how it will be put into practice. We are looking forward to collaborating with the European institutions on the development of the next Fit for 90 package. One of my first external engagement action part of my new role at C40 Cities.

Our businesses welcome the signal sent today by the European Commission. Endorsing a 90% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2040 is a positive step in the right direction. 🌍It also shows that facing the multiple crises of our time requires stepping up decarbonisation efforts and building on the legacy of the European Green Deal.🌐🤝   🌿This can only be a first step, enabling policies that support communities and businesses through the transition will be essential. 🗓️But a robust climate plan will increase the EU’s competitiveness, energy security, resilience to shocks and deliver a just transition.   🏦Europe's businesses take their responsibility to deliver these objectives very seriously and are ready to step up their climate action.  However, more needs to be done as mitigation should be the absolute priority and overreliance on carbon removals avoided.🌿   🛢️Beyond the target itself, a concrete policy package should guide its implementation and the phase-out of fossil fuels. In addition, we look to the EU to take into account the scientific guidance of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change and consider 90% as the lowest rather than the highest level of ambition. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #EU2030 #GreenFuture 🌱💚 #HigherAmbition #ClimateAction #EU2040 #SustainabilityLeadership #2040Targets 🌍🌿 European Commission Maroš Šefčovič Wopke Hoekstra Virginijus Sinkevičius Pascal Canfin CDP Climate Action Network International European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE) EAPN - European Anti Poverty Network European Heat Pump Association EiiF ICLEI Naturefriends International RECS Energy Certificate Association Adam White Solar Heat Europe (ESTIF) SOLIDAR & SOLIDAR Foundation Transport & Environment (T&E) We Mean Business CoalitionPincherelle 

🆕 We welcome the European Commission’s recommendation yesterday to reduce the EU’s net emissions by 90% by 2040. Ambitious EU climate policy is delivering this decade showing the ambition loop in action, whereby ambitious policy enables companies to develop the products and services to decarbonise faster. The EU are going Fossil to Clean – by frontloading their decarbonisation to net zero by 2050 the EU will reduce fossil fuel imports by 80% in 2040. This will provide greater protection for companies and consumers against price shocks and create markets in clean technologies, strengthening their competitiveness. This sends a bold signal to those countries now reviewing their own climate ambition in their nationally determined contributions around the world, that the scale and pace of worsening climate change needs to be met with an ambitious and robust response fit for the task. We look forward to working with our partner Corporate Leaders Groups Europe, companies and the EU Institutions through the process of approving the EU 2040 target and its enabling policies. In this process we hope to bring the voices and insights from industry to European policymakers to ensure business has everything it needs to accelerate a competitive green EU economy. 🔗 Find out more in this article by Martin Porter in Euractiv: https://lnkd.in/edhPDTtY #EU2040 #FossiltoClean #WMBC

Dr Belinda Mathers kicked off her climate update at our recent 'How we shape 2024' member events by pointing out that there is "both an awful lot and not enough happening in the world of climate action right now." Here are her key updates and what it means for Aotearoa New Zealand: ⚫ Growing focus on quality and ambition: Increased media attention into reductions and carbon credits, calls for robust and independently verified 'green claims' supported by government policies, and more discussions around emissions and climate in the boardroom. ⚫ Standards and guidance updates: ISO standards and the GHG Protocol are being reviewed, along with a move towards full value chain inventories. Key players like SBTi, SBTN, Taskforce for Climate Related Financial disclosures (TCFD) and TNFD, VCMI & ICVCM are all developing protocol, but there is commitment to align for consistency in approach, language and guidance. ⚫ Positive tipping points: Globally, renewable energy is now cheaper to generate than fossil fuel-based energy, there's been an exponential uptake of EVs, and investment in transitioning to 'green power' matched the amount spent on producing oil and gas for the first time in 2022. Plus, many countries we (NZ) export to are strengthening their expectations, so companies here will need to respond by knowing their emissions data - Toitū members are in a great position already. Our national emissions seem to have peaked, but the challenge in NZ now is to reduce them rapidly enough to avoid lasting climate impacts. This requires clear government policies and companies willing to drive us toward positive tipping points for faster reductions. Later is too late, there's no better time for action than today. #decarbonisation #ClimateAction #NewZealand

💡This interactive panel debate (incl. audience questions) on Energy and Climate Transition in Europe highlights complexities, transformative changes, and the importance of research in understanding contestation dynamics. 🔍 The private sector, governments, and NGOs are critical drivers of sustainability, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, sustainable finance, and addressing infrastructure and air pollution 💭 🤓 Read summary/watch video 👉 https://lnkd.in/egRFPN5F #Energy #Climate #Transition #Implementation

UPDATE: Postponed to 29 August 2023. Join us for the second anniversary of the Tracker of Climate Strategies for Transport by SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. 📅 29 August 2023  🕒 3:00 - 3:45 pm (UTC+2)  🔗 Register now ⏩ bit.ly/3rFyCOk Get to know the database on ambitions, targets and policies in Nationally Determined Contributions (#NDC) and Long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). The NDC Transport Tracker has become a valuable tool for tracking progress on transport-related #climateaction and commitments, providing policymakers and the #transport community with #data and insights to inform decision-making and accelerate action towards sustainable, low-carbon transport. Check out the tracker ⏩https://lnkd.in/eYX8iucC    During this #webinar, we will share with you the latest insights on climate strategies and introduce the latest improvements to the Tracker. The event will feature interactive elements, allowing the audience to share their feedback and questions.     🎙️ Speakers:  Nikola Medimorec, Director Data Analysis and Research, SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport   Nadja Taeger, Advisor Sustainable Mobility and Climate Change, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH   Christopher Dekki, Director Global Advocacy and Engagement, SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport – Facilitator     Whether you're a transport professional, a climate advocat, or just curious about sustainable mobility, this webinar is a must-attend event. Gain valuable insights, engage in thoughtful discussions, and be a part of the movement towards a greener future with #sustainabletransportation.    Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded people and change-makers. Let's make a difference together! #wechangetransport🌱🚲    (CT) Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Action

The European Commission has launched a new initiative called "Cities for a Just and Green Transition." This initiative will provide funding and technical assistance to cities that are developing innovative solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges. The initiative is part of the EU's broader efforts to achieve its ambitious climate goals. The EU has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Cities play a key role in achieving these goals. They are responsible for a significant portion of global #greenhouse gas #emissions, but they are also where many of the most innovative solutions to climate change are being developed. The "Cities for a Just and Green Transition" initiative will help cities to: 🗺 Develop and implement sustainable urban development plans 💰 Invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency 🚗 Reduce transportation emissions 📈 Adapt to the impacts of climate change Club Climate Europe can also provide support for cities to develop and implement their sustainability plans. This is an important initiative that will help cities play a leading role in the fight against climate change. Learn more about the initiative here (links provided in the comment): European Commission. (2023). EU launches new initiative to support sustainable cities. European Commission. (2023). Cities for a Just and Green Transition. European Commission. (2023). What place for cities in the European Green Deal? Together, we can build a more sustainable future for our cities and our planet. #sustainability #climatechange #cities #Europe Photo by Alex Vasey, Unsplash.

💡This interactive panel debate (incl. audience questions) on Energy and Climate Transition in Europe highlights complexities, transformative changes, and the importance of research in understanding contestation dynamics. 🔍 The private sector, governments, and NGOs are critical drivers of sustainability, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, sustainable finance, and addressing infrastructure and air pollution 💭 🤓 Read summary/watch video 👉 https://lnkd.in/egRFPN5F #Energy #Climate #Transition #Implementation Claire Dupont Dr. Max Jungmann ZERO - ASSOCIAÇÃO SISTEMA TERRESTRE SUSTENTÁVEL Nuno LACASTA