the most significant opportunity to address the escalating global climate crisis
More than 10,000 cities committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors have a major collective potential – and if fully realized – these city and local government actions could account for 2.3 billion tons CO2e of annual emissions reduction in 2030, matching yearly passenger road emissions from the U.S., China, France, Mexico, Russia, and Argentina combined.
With annual emissions reduction expected to reach 4.2 billion tons CO2e in 2050, GCoM cities are showcasing the massive urban opportunity that national governments can harness to accelerate action and progress towards Paris Agreement goals – simultaneously safeguarding the health and prosperity of their citizens.
more than 10,000 cities across 6 continents and 138 countries
GCoM cities and local governments represent over 864 million people, or more 10% of the global population.
a global alliance driven by regional ambition and action
GCoM cities and local governments across all regions are demonstrating enormous potential for significantly lowering emissions compared to business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios.
Note: The emission estimates include both cities that have and have not reported their emission reduction targets. Emission levels for the latter are estimated based on approximation with reference cities that share similar characteristics. As cities report their emission reduction targets, data gaps and uncertainty will improve.
10,000 cities enhancing ambition
Learn more about the emissions that GCoM cities could potential avoid until 2050.
Note: The graph shows the collective emission trajectories for more than 10,000 Global Covenant of Mayors’ cities and local governments under business-as-usual and target scenarios (avoided emissions if targets are set), with the NDC commitment line highlighted in a BAU scenario.
The emission estimates include both cities that have and have not reported their emission reduction targets. Emission levels for the latter are estimated based on approximation with reference cities that share the most similar characteristics. Uncertainty levels will decrease as more cities publicly report their emission reduction targets.
when cities are at risk, nations are at risk
Without mitigation and adaption actions from local and national governments, socioeconomic repercussions will run country-wide through impacts on health and wellbeing, forced migration, business relocation, reduced productivity and interruption of supply chains. Cities and nations must act together to mitigate these risks and adapt to changes already taking effect.
As an example, GCoM signatories reporting a ‘high risk’ of heat waves and drought alone have combined populations of 124 million people and 127 million people respectively – equal to about fifteen times the population of New York City, or the roughly entire population of Japan.
Note: Based on data from 568 GCoM cities and local governments
Commit to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
GCoM cities are united in their shared goals to increase access to renewable, clean energy, build healthy environments, and promote initiatives and best practices that will accelerate the fight against climate change. Together, we will show the collective impact of cities and local governments, and be a force in realizing our vision to achieve a sustainable future.