The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
An international coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change
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The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)
Cities are responsible for around 70 percent of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and are among the most vulnerable areas to climate change impacts.
GCoM serves cities and local governments by mobilizing and supporting ambitious, measurable and planned climate and energy action in their communities. It is the broadest global alliance committed to climate leadership, involving more than 9,000 cities and local governments.
Local, regional and global city networks are core partners, serving as the primary support for participating cities and local governments. As a member of the Founders Council, ICLEI actively engages in GCoM strategic initiatives and provides technical support for around 400 committed cities and local governments worldwide.
Focusing on three pillars: mitigation, adaptation and increased access to secure, affordable and sustainable energy, the GCoM supports implementation of ambitious, measurable and locally relevant solutions, captured through climate action plans developed, implemented and monitored by cities and local governments. Plans, targets and achievements are reported and publicly available on GCoM reporting platforms, such as the carbonn Climate Registry (cCR).
Aims
GCoM partners are working towards a shared vision of a world where committed mayors and local governments accelerate ambitious, measurable climate and energy initiatives that lead to an inclusive, just, low emission and climate-resilient future, helping to meet and exceed Paris Agreement targets.
GCoM signatory cities and local governments are paving the way for a better quality of life and economic development in their communities. Committing to GCoM signifies a commitment not only to take bold local action, but also to involve local stakeholders and citizens and work alongside peers to share achievements, skills and innovative solutions.
Activities
Committed cities work towards compliance with the GCoM framework, benefiting from direct support from ICLEI and other GCoM partners in the form of technical assistance, training, advisory support and analysis and peer-to-peer learning programs. As part of their commitments, signatories:
- Develop a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and report their results.
- Assess climate risks and vulnerabilities and report their results.
- Define ambitious climate change mitigation targets.
- Develop integrated climate action plans to meet their stated targets and goals.
- Implement planned measures to reach targets and goals.
- Monitor, measure and report progress on a regular basis, to share their results and improve their ambition implementation over time. The carbonn Climate Registry and CDP are both recognized GCoM reporting platforms.
Get involved
Any city or town can commit, regardless of size or location. To formalize GCoM commitment, cities and local governments need to submit a commitment letter signed by a mandated official, such as the mayor or city council. Some GCoM regional chapters have developed specific commitment letters. The GCoM global letter is available when there is none tailored to the regional chapter.
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