COP26: Local leaders call on EU’s chief negotiator Vice-President Timmermans to include regional and local dimension in final Glasgow conclusions to protect people and the planet

Subnational governments deliver 70 % of climate mitigation measures and 90 % of climate adaptation policies. Their contribution must finally be recognised to avert the climate emergency

The European Committee of the Regions adopted a resolution on COP26 setting out its climate demands two weeks before UN’s climate negotiations in Glasgow. As the world faces unprecedented heat waves, floods, hurricanes and sea level rises, EU local leaders called on the UN and national governments to formally acknowledge, monitor and encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by cities, local governments and regions worldwide. Higher climate ambition, transparency and accountability in reducing GHG emissions and climate finance for the most vulnerable are the three key aspects on the table in Glasgow.