Measuring climate change in the world’s megacities
A group consisting of the world’s largest cities have released two reports which set out how large cities can work together to combat climate change.
Two new reports signal how businesses in cities across the world will have their carbon emissions monitored more rigorously from now on to reduce their impact on climate change.
The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is a group of 58 cities around the world who are working together to reduce carbon emissions and the impact of climate change caused by cities.
The group has released two studies laying out cities’ role in the global challenge of confronting climate change. The research will help to produce, monitor and compare progress in a more objective way.
C40 Chairman and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: "I firmly believe that if you can't measure it, you can't manage it. That is true in business and it is true in government.”
“Only by regularly and rigorously measuring and analyzing our efforts can we learn what works, what doesn't and why, and take effective action."
Cities are responsible for consuming two-thirds of the world's energy. The 58 C40 Cities represent 1 in 12 people worldwide and account for 70 per cent of global CO2 emissions, according to a C40 official.
Cities are also growing – they are already home to more than half the world’s population and are vulnerable to climate change, particularly sea level rise, because of their predominantly coastal location.
The first report provides a baseline measurement for each city. It allows cities in the C40 group to evaluate the success of actions as well as setting targets according to the opportunities that are available to that particular city.
The second report aims to connect the cities with others of similar profiles and qualities. It will compare how different measures are working across the cities and help inform C40 worldwide strategies in future.
The studies were developed in partnership with the help of two other organisations: The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) collates and discloses strategies and information from over 3,000 organisations in 60 countries around the world on greenhouse gas emissions, water management and climate change to advise corporations and policy makers. Arup is an independent planning and engineering consultancy.
The C40 group hope that this worldwide alliance will help speed up adaptation to new green technology and other measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
A statement from C40 said: “Cities have a central role to play in tackling climate change. By fostering a sense of shared purpose, the C40 network offers cities an effective forum in which to work together, share information and demonstrate leadership.”
C40 believe that, with global protocols such as Kyoto unable to impact significant reforms, megacities such as London, New York, Sao Paulo and Tokyo are the ideal level at which to implement serious climate change measures.
The fourth biennial C40 Cities Mayors Summit is taking place this week in Sao Paulo, Brazil (May 31 – June 2). 70 of the world's largest cities will discuss urban solutions to the climate crisis.
