World Council on City Data Statement on Climate Change Mitigation
The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has been closely following the events at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris. Moreover, with a new pledge between major global cities to be delivered to the United Nations Secretary-General, the WCCD wholeheartedly supports this development and underlines the importance of standardized city data in setting goals and targets for the future and in monitoring and measuring progress towards those commitments. As a signatory to the Lima-Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) forthcoming “Paris Action Statement”, the WCCD fully supports city-led climate change mitigation targets.
As cities represent about 55% of the global population and are responsible for around 75% of carbon emissions, they are strategically positioned to take effective climate action. City mayors worldwide are setting ambitious objectives and plans for the reduction of emissions, and taking action on multiple fronts under their responsibility. Many seek to achieve 80% reductions in GHGs by 2050 or even achieve net zero emissions.
To this end, the WCCD supports city-led initiatives that include:
High caliber city level data driving investment in the future of cities – specifically the use of ISO 37120, the first international standard for sustainable cities
Targeted infrastructure investment to expand public transportation and create low-carbon mobility solutions
The scaling of local renewable energy production and improving energy efficiency in buildings
The expansion and innovation of sustainable waste management practices
Plans to encourage smart, compact growth and limit urban sprawl
Coordination and collaboration with the private sector to support innovative, data driven solutions
The WCCD supports the work of cities worldwide in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, by identifying and disseminating data-driven solutions for cities, and global city learning through the exchange of best practices. As a global leader on standardized urban metrics, the WCCD will continue to work with cities around the world – as well as its international network of partners – to promote a future for cities that is sustainable, resilient, efficient and prosperous.
The ISO 37120 standard not only supports the reporting of comparable GHG emissions data, but also enables data-based bench-marking and best practice sharing between cities in key climate mitigation and adaptation solution areas. These areas include: energy, transportation, water, waste, urban planning and public health.
The WCCD calls upon all cities to begin taking action on climate change, and re-states its commitment to become the preeminent, global body for standardized city data. This data, will be essential in mitigating the effects of climate change and re-shaping the future of cities (and countries) worldwide.
