Initiated in 2007, the local government climate roadmap aims at a comprehensive involvement of cities in the next international climate agreement to be decided in December 2009 in Copenhagen to succeed the Kyoto Protocol

Japanese cities join global climate effort

On 3^rd March 2009 the ICLEI Japan office hosted the seminar Toward Climate Agreement after 2013 – Local Governments’ Climate Protection Activities in Europe and Japan. The seminar was co-hosted by LORC (a research group at Ryukoku University that focuses on the revitalization of local communities in Japan and the rest of the world) and chaired by Mr. Hamanaka, former Vice Minister for Environment and current Chair of ICLEI Japan.

A Word from the Deputy Secretary General

Gino Van Begin, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI and Regional Director for ICLEI Europe, made a presentation about European local climate actions and called for joint local efforts toward COP15.  He said “in order to work globally toward a new climate agreement, not only efforts within each local government are needed but also more support, resources and coordination from the part of national governments”.

Responsibility of Local Governments

Mr. Masa Ohara, Director for Environmental Policy Division of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, gave a presentation about Tokyo’s climate protection activities, emphasizing its cap-and-trade program scheme and solar energy program.  Mr. Ohara stated that “local governments are responsible to protect citizens’ lives and property, and climate protection actions certainly fulfill that responsibility.  It is important for every local government to share experiences and work together”.

The seminar informed participants that local governments play a critical role and need to work together towards new climate agreements, while appealing to national government and the United Nations for support.

Local Governments Climate Roadmap

Learn more about the local governments community global effort to be involved in the next international climate agreement on the website of the Local Governments Climate Roadmap.