4 November 2009, Stockholm, Sweden

On 4 November 2009, mayors of the largest cities in Europe and the United States have co-authored a mutual appeal called 'The Stockholm Appeal on Climate Change'. The appeal manifests the signatories' desire for the COP15 meeting in Copenhagen to result in an international climate change agreement. It provides a powerful statement of intent to the national governments in the run-up to COP15. By stating the cities' mutual climate protection and sustainability aspirations, the appeal aspires to serve as further incentive for the heads of state at COP15 to reach an agreement.

The cooperation between the mayors was initiated by the Mayor of Stockholm, Sten Nordin, who stated: "We know it is possible to combine economic growth with strong environmental measures. Our cities are putting into practice many innovative and effective strategies to protect the environment. With our strength, knowledge, experience and successes at the local level, the local governments of our cities play a crucial role in climate protection. Our citizens and cities will help implement the agreement signed by government officials at COP15".

The Stockholm Appeal will be officially presented on 27 November at the EUROCITIES 2009 Stockholm conference. It will be handed over by Sten Nordin, the Mayor of Stockholm, and representatives of the Presidency of EUROCITIES and the Presidency of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), to representatives of the Swedish Presidency of the European Union and the Obama Administration.

"With the Stockholm Appeal on Climate Change, we urge the decision-makers at COP15 to sign the agreement in December, and to use this opportunity for real change. We need the legislation and economic means to put your words into action," says Sten Nordin, Mayor of Stockholm. "The battle against climate change will be won or lost in the cities of Europe, where 80 percent of European citizens live. City governments are best placed to find local solutions to this global challenge. Not only are cities leading by example but they are also closest to the citizens and businesses that need to use our planet's resources more efficiently," says Jozias von Aartsen, Mayor of The Hague and President of EUROCITIES.

"U.S. mayors proudly stand with our European counterparts in asking international recognition of the role of local leaders in climate protection. At the forefront of creative strategies, U.S. mayors have forced our national government to act to combat climate change. To date, one thousand mayors have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to meet or beat Kyoto goals. Mayoral leadership is a major impetus in climate protection," says Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle and President of USCM.

The appeal refers to the EUROCITIES Declaration on Climate Change, the USCM Climate Protection Agreement and the Local Government Climate Roadmap, expressing the common position of networks of local authorities from all continents.

For more information, please read the full articel on Reuters.