Some Powerful Words

At the session on cities and parliamentarians and their role in fighting climate change, Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City, gave an inspiring talk.  He comes fresh from hosting the World Mayors Summit on Climate (November 21). The gathering resulted in a Mexico City Pact. Over 3,000 cities are already committed to reducing emissions.

Cities have done a great deal already, as have sub-national governments such as provinces and states. With projections that by 2030, three quarters of the world's population (mostly young) will live in cities, and actions to reduce emissions from cities have a huge role.

Mayor Ebrard put the issue clearly and used language in a way I have not heard before (and it does get hard to find new ways to say "we are running out of time!")

"The negotiations have been going on for twenty years … They are spending time that is not their property. They are spending time of the next generation ... it is a matter of leadership -- not only of bureaucratic negotiations... It is about the future of humanity. We have the will. Why do we have to spend more time to get those other parties to take action?  We do not have the right to lose time."

Stirring words were also heard from David Cadman of Vancouver, and president of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.  Committed to targets that matter -- 30% reduction in CO2 by 2020 (against 1990 levels). 80% by 2050.

Cadman: "We know that nations can do more ... there is an urgency to begin moving on this ... The longer the nations put off acting, the issue will be more difficult, and the damage will be worse."