UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Fifteenth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-15)
30 April - 11 May 2007 | United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America
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| | LOCAL AUTHORITIES MAJOR GROUP
CSD-15, United Nations, New York City
Monday, April 30, 2007
LOCAL AUTHORITIES STATEMENT
by Emilio D'Alessio
[to download the video click the image]
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"Thank you, Mr. Chair, and honoured delegates for the opportunity to address the distinguished commission.
My name is Emilio D'Alessio, from the city of Ancona, Italy, and I am here representing local authorities.
Today, 50% of the world's population resided in cities and towns, contributing 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, so local authorities play a crucial role in energy and climate change issues.
A few minutes ago I heard the US delegate asking major group to tell what projects and partnerships they are engaged in, regarding climate change.
It is a question easy to answer to.
At CSD-14, local authorities demonstrated how local policies and actions will meet or exceed targets set by national governments.
Local authorities own and operate power plants and make decisions on energy sources.
Local authorities own and operate buildings, vehicles and facilities such as street lighting, waste management systems, and water supply and treatment.
They also make decisions on transportation and transit systems.
Now here at CSD-15, we come to support the adoption of policies that will result in global greenhouse gas reductions.
We want action.
Policy outcomes of CSD-15should include incentives for renewable energy use and energy efficiency goals, the further development of alternative fuels, greenhouse gas reduction targets, and support for public transit and tougher vehicle efficiency standards, and be given access to the Kyoto financial mechanisms.
We want leadership.
Since the first CSD in 1992, scientists have gone from theory to probability to certainty.
The public has gone from oblivious to skeptical, and recently, to true believers and advocates for action.
And local government leaders have gone from identifying the impacts at the local level to being the leaders by setting local greenhouse gas reduction targets and developing and implementing action plans with clear timetables.
And where have national governments gone?
As local authorities, we come here to demonstrate that: the public is ready for change. Citizens of the world are aware and willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes; business and industry are interested and innovative partners; successful climate change mitigation strategies are directly and tangibly contributing to the social and economic vitality, and the health of cities.
The 15th CSD may well be the last opportunity to actively address climate change by reducing the impacts or reversing the current trends.
Eyes are upon you, nation states, to see how you address the urgent issue of climate change.
You must take action. Local authorities already have."
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UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Division for Sustainable Development (www)
The 15th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (www)
Chairman's Summary (.pdf)
Learning Center (www)
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