The Mayor of Westbury, Sheila Kimmins has recently joined mayors from all over Europe in signing up to an EU covenant that looks to reduce carbon emissions and sprout more green cities and town across Europe.
This initiative seeks to assure that those towns and cities that joined the scheme are doing the upmost to reduce carbon emissions, with the overarching theme being eventual decarbonisation by 2050.
Sheila spoke to White Horse News about what she hopes to achieve with the initiative, “For years already, cities have been turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities,” she said. “Time has come to make it the overarching priority. As signatories to the Covenant of Mayors – Europe, we commit to taking everyone on this journey. We will make sure that our policies and programmes will leave no one and no place behind.
“The transition to a climate neutral Europe will have impacts in all areas of our societies. As local leaders we must keep a watchful eye on those impacts to ensure fairness and inclusiveness. We can only envisage a transition that is fair, inclusive and respectful of us citizens of the world, and of our planet’s resources.
“Our vision is that by 2050, we will all be living in decarbonised and resilient cities with access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy. As part of the covenant of Mayors movement, we will continue to (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions on our territory, (2) increase resilience and prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change and (3) tackle energy poverty as one key action to ensure a just transition.
“We commit to doing our share by undertaking the following actions. At first, commit to setting mid-and long-term targets, consistent with the EU objectives, and at least as ambitious as out national targets. Our goal will be to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Secondly, engage our citizens, businesses and governments at all levels in the implementation of this vision and in the transformation of our social and economic systems.
“Thirdly, act now and together to get on track and accelerate the necessary transition. Our plans will include provisions on how to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while remaining inclusive.
“And finally, network with fellow Mayors and local leaders, in Europe and beyond, to get inspiration from each other.”
“We, signatories to the covenant of mayors – Europe, affirm that we can take steps today (Commit, Engage, Act, Network) to ensure the well-being of present and future generations. Together we will work to turn our vision into reality.”
