EU regions and cities collaborate with UNEP to accelerate multilevel action on climate and environment

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a joint action plan to strengthen the capacities and boost the international cooperation of local and regional authorities within the CoR framework with sub-national governments around the world to tackle the triple global crisis.

On 28 March, CoR President Kata Tüttő met with UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the Joint Action Plan, which aims to boost cooperation between the two parties in the fields of climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental pollution, nature restoration and biodiversity protection.

The action plan supports the involvement of local and regional governments in the implementation of international climate and environmental agreements, conventions and frameworks, in the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals and in UNEP’s decision-making processes. It foresees co-organised events and joint actions that will also allow disseminating and discussing relevant UNEP initiatives with EU local and regional politicians.

Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, said: “Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, and cities and regions are on the frontline against the direct effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. In the EU, local and regional authorities are responsible for implementing 70% of climate change mitigation measures and 90% of climate change adaptation policies. Working together with UNEP, our aim is to advance full recognition of their contribution at European level and on the international stage, especially in view of the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be submitted for COP30 in Brazil.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said: “Regions and cities across Europe are already demonstrating strong environmental leadership and are adapting sustainable solutions to local realities. The Committee of the Regions is key to working with local governments, localising the Sustainable Development Goals and integrating European and global environmental objectives into the daily life of cities.

More information: European Committee of the Regions