Local Governments around the globe are mobilized at four different levels to achieve a strong and comprehensive post-2012 global climate agreement:

Global Mobilization

Emerging Economies Countries Mobilization

European Mobilization

National Mobilization

Local Mobilization

Global Local Government Associations such us UCLG and ICLEI, and many more regional and national networks organize this mobilization process through:

Information: Local Government around the world are informed through websites, briefing sheets, background information on the negotiation themes, successful examples of local climate actions about how they can be part of the process.

International exchange and partnerships: Learning from others is key to success. The international climate negotiations challenge local actors to liaise and to cooperate with other groups, such as NGOs, science, trade unions, business, youth and many more. International exchange also includes learning about how local governments have coped with their nations to foster local-national dialogues.

Positions: Reflecting on what the Parties discuss, Local Governments build their opinions and positions through Symposia, workshops and conferences. So far, the draft text for a COP Decision on Cities, Local Authorities and Climate Change is a result of this process. Position finding includes further reflection of the different circumstances in developed and developing countries, to discuss “climate justice” also among local governments, and to define answers and own concepts for the energy and climate challenges.

Commitments: local government representatives can express their commitment by signing up to the World Mayors & Local Governments Climate Protection Agreement and equivalent regional processes, such as the European Covenant of Mayors.

Public attention: Within a negotiation process, media and the public can be strong allies. Mobilization includes getting their attention – this can be done by publicizing good stories and convincing arguments.