Mayors from 100 European cities have now committed to the European Commission's Mayors Adapt initiative and take action to tackle climate change. London and Birmingham, which have both expressed their interest, have yet to appear on the list.
At an official signing ceremony, European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard welcomed mayors from across Europe pledging their commitment to the scheme.
Mayors Adapt was launched in March 2014, in the framework of the successful Covenant of Mayors initiative. While this concentrates on efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Mayors Adapt focuses on adaptation measures. The European CVommission have highlighted major centres of population and infrastructure, cities are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and the adverse effects of climate change. Local authorities therefore play a key role in implementing the measures to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.
Connie Hedegaard said:
"When we launched Mayors Adapt in March, we aimed to build a network of at least 50 cities by the end of the year. We already have 100 and more are queuing up to join. Our cities are building up their resilience against climate change. That is great news for citizens and businesses. Good preparation will be much cheaper than cleaning up afterwards - and it can save lives."
The A-Z of signatory cities includes Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Hasting, Leicester, Lisbon, Munich, Naples, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stirling and Rotterdam.
Other major UK cities like Birmingham, Leeds and London have yet to make an appearance on the list.
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