Statement from OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth for COP28
1 December 2023
By joining the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative, we, Mayors from across the world, have committed to tackling all forms of inequality within our cities and beyond, and, in doing so, enhancing economic growth, environmental sustainability and people’s well-being in our cities, regions, countries and globally.
With global warming likely to reach 1.5°C as early as in 2030 and a growing risk of crossing climate system “tipping points” that cause potentially abrupt and irreversible changes to the environment and societies, we recognise that urgent action is needed if we want to limit climate change and its adverse impacts.
While cities are at the forefront of climate action and often spearhead the implementation of ambitious measures to adapt to and mitigate climate change, we recognise that local climate action needs to accelerate, and we remain committed to advancing an ambitious agenda to reduce emissions.
As Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth, we know that the climate transition can generate strong co-benefits for our economies and societies, including through new opportunities for employment, innovation and well-being. We also know that climate change – and the response to it – can disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations and risk further entrenching inequalities, especially as low-income population groups often live in areas that are prone to climate change hazards or are ill-equipped to face climate risks, recover from climate shocks and meet the cost of adaptation. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of climate policies that are not only effective, but also socially just. We will work to ensure that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities and that the benefits of climate action are shared by all.
At the 28th Conference of the Parties, we call on national governments to take climate actions that are ambitious and fair, to strengthen local capacities and local climate finance to advance climate policies, and to work hand-in-hand with local leaders to implement without delay a just transition that protects our climate and creates opportunities and well-being for all.
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