9 December 2014: Participants presented local-level climate actions at an event ‘From Vision to Action Plan: Raising the Global Level of Ambition through National and Local Action,’ organized by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the sidelines of the Lima Climate Change Conference. At the event, panelists pledged their support for the Lima Communiqué to be presented to the High-Level Segment of the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to the UNFCCC.

ICLEI President David Cadman read the Lima Communiqué, which calls for an inclusive and ambitious post-2015 climate regime and the inclusion of local-level actions in national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) and national adaptation plans (NAPs). The Communiqué also commits mayors and local-level leaders to accelerate global advocacy and raise climate ambitions.

IPU President Saber Chowdhury stressed that failure is not an option. He underscored the need to act quickly and called for strong partnerships to pool resources for climate action at the local level.

Panelists from various cities around the world shared their experiences. Recife, Brazil, has been developing green spaces and intends to create drainage and solid waste/water re-usage plans. Paris, France, has retrofitted buildings, operationalized an electric car system and implemented green electricity throughout the city. Durban, South Africa, has been developing a rapid bus transit (BRT) system, growing rooftop gardens and establishing a green hub for education on waste management. Mexico City, Mexico, is working to contain urban sprawl, sustainably manage natural resources and biodiversity, increase resilience and raise awareness.

Other initiatives were highlighted, such as the work on cities’ credit worthiness by the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance and the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) sustainable cities programme, which provides an experience-sharing platform for local leaders and offers tools to assist mayors in designing sustainable cities. Political commitment and progress achieved through the launch of the Global Compact of Mayors, the Resilient Cities Acceleration Initiative and the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) were also showcased.

Highlighted national actions included: a South African energy efficiency programme for 1,000 buildings, which involves local governments and finance institutions; and the Mexican model of ensuring local governments have direct access to COP negotiations. [IISD RS ENBOTS Coverage] [IISD RS ENBOTS Video Coverage of Side Event] [IISD RS Coverage of Lima Climate Change Conference] [ICLEI Website] [ICLEI Event Announcement] [IPU at COP 20 Webpage] [IPU Event Announcement]