HOW to PARTICIPATE?

Any city in the world with a democratically elected government, regardless of its size or location, can voluntarily join the GCoM. In Canada, the process goes through a few simple steps:

1

Initially, the mayor (or equivalent local authority) signs a Letter of Commitment: Get in touch with us, and we will guide your city through the process. If you prefer, download the commitment letter above and send the signed letter from the local authority to [email protected]

2

Assess your current situation: After formally joining the alliance, the first recommended step is to gather data and insights about your cities climate scenario for each of the GCoM pillars. This means to develop (i) a local inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, (ii) an assessment of climate hazards and risks, and (iii) an energy access and poverty’s inventory.

3

Adopt reduction goals and establish a measurement system: The following step is to establish targets and goals for (i) reduction of GHG emissions, (ii) averting and minimizing climate change consequences, and (iii) expanding the access to secure, sustainable, and affordable energy. This step is recommended to be executed in the second year after the commitment letter is signed.

4

Establish an Action Plan: Within three years, the city is encouraged to develop a ‘Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan’, also known as ‘SECAP’. This plan (or plans) indicates what actions your city will take to achieve its targets and goals, improving its resilience to climate change. City are welcomed to develop either an integrated SECAP, containing actions for mitigation, adaptation, and energy access and poverty, or three standalone plans – whatever city planners advise its best for its local context and reality.

5

Report your progress every year. To comply with GCoM standards, cities must continuously report their progress, monitoring the implementation of its SECAP. This is recommended to be made in annual basis to keep data updated.

6

Access the Letter of Commitment template and take the first step towards joining the largest alliance of cities and local governments committed to fight climate change.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

The advantages of participating in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy are numerous.

The most important ones include:

1

High recognition and international visibility for climate and energy action by local authorities.

2

Opportunity to contribute to shaping global climate and energy policy.

3

Reliable commitment through progress review and monitoring.

4

Improved financial opportunities for local climate and energy projects.

5

Innovative methods for networking, exchanging experiences, and building capacity through regular events, twinning, seminars, or online debates.

6

Practical support (Helpdesk), guidance materials, and tools.

7

Quick access to excellent practical knowledge and inspiring case studies.

8

Facilitated self-assessment and exchanges among partners through common tracking templates and reporting formats.

9

Flexible and adaptable framework of action tailored to local needs.

10

Improved cooperation and support from national and subnational authorities.

COMMITMENT

When cities join the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), they demonstrate their leadership by setting an example for cities worldwide to be part of the global solution to climate change. Cities that join the GCoM commit to developing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a climate risk assessment, as well as establishing measurable emission targets, ambitious climate adaptation goals, and sustainable energy access objectives, in line with the Paris Agreement. Signatories agree to formally adopt plans and objectives with a three-year commitment.

To participate in the GCoM, the commitment of the city is required, which is reflected in the fulfillment of established plans and the reporting of progress. On the other hand, the GCoM offers supporting structures for cities that join to implement plans and achieve defined goals. The GCoM Secretariat seeks cooperation with various financial and technical organizations to promote financing mechanisms for climate action and provide practical tools that can be used in this fight.