Over 500 European Cities Pledge To Cut CO2 Emissions

According to the cited source, the Romanian cities of Craiova, Giurgiu, Avrig, Bistrita, Ramnicu Valcea and Vaslui will become members of the pact.

„By signing the Covenant of Mayors, they pledge to save energy, foster renewable energy and raise awareness among their citizens,” the EC press release said. „They will sign the declaration in the presence of EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain. The Covenant of Mayors is a Commission initiative, supported both by the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions.”

„The Covenant of Mayors has become a key element of the EU sustainable energy policy,” said Gunther Oettinger, the Commissioner responsible for energy, cited in the document. „Regions and cities are demonstrating that climate mitigation is one of the best economic recovery strategies. Investment into the reduction of CO2 emissions and energy efficiency creates jobs which by their nature cannot be delocalized.”

„Local authorities have a key role in mitigating climate change,” said the press release. „Over half of greenhouse gas emissions are created in and by cities. 80% of the population lives and works in cities, where up to 80% of energy is consumed.”

The Covenant of Mayors is an annual conference that has been initiated by the European Commission in 2009. With more than 500 Mayors signing the declaration this year, the number of signatories will raise to more than 1600 signatories in 36 countries representing 120 million citizens.