ABOUT US

The largest global alliance for climate leadership in cities

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is a global alliance of cities and local governments voluntarily committed to fight against climate change, reducing its inevitable impacts and facilitating access to a sustainable and affordable energy for all.

“Choosing to be part of the Global Covenant of Mayors has been my best decision. Climate change is an ever-important issue, and my ability to speak confidently on climate mitigation and adaptation has grown immensely. The unity of cities is essential because the impact of climate change is universal. We stand ready to champion the GCoM mission.”

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) empowers mayors, enabling them to resonate internationally and actively contribute to the global dialogue on climate change.

Around the world we are already more than 13,000 cities united in our commitment to the fight against climate change. Join the force for change, where global leaders connect, collaborate, and amplify their influence in the worldwide movement towards a sustainable future.

CARIBBEAN MAYORS,

A CLIMATE FORCE

Empowering Caribbean Mayors for Climate Action

  • Showcasing Leadership: Elevate local leaders by providing platforms to showcase their commitment to climate action.
  • Coordinated Collaboration: Foster synergy among stakeholders, from local governments to global GCoM Secretariats, EU Delegations, and international institutions.
  • Actionable Plans: Assist in developing and implementing Local Climate Action Plans, addressing both Mitigation and Adaptation strategies.
  • Financial Access: Identify financing options, connecting local governments with resources for effective climate project implementation.
  • Practical Support: Provide hands-on assistance through a dedicated helpdesk for immediate guidance.
  • Innovative Networking: Facilitate collaboration through events, city twinning, webinars, and online discussions.
  • Guidance Materials: Equip local governments with tools and materials on financing and implementing energy and climate projects.
  • Knowledge Repository: Offer quick access to best practices and lessons learned through inspiring case studies.
  • Flexible Framework: Provide a customizable reference framework adaptable to local needs.
  • Peer Exchange: Facilitate self-assessment and peer-to-peer exchanges using common reporting and monitoring templates.
  • Credible Commitments: Ensure technical support from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission for credible climate commitments.
  • International Recognition: Grant high visibility and recognition through badges based on pillars of Climate Adaptation, Mitigation, and Energy Access.
  • Project Visibility: Promote local climate projects through reports, case studies, videos, and communication materials, showcasing innovative efforts of signatory cities.

“The priority for Caribbean cities is to be able to maximize the development of the capacities that we have acquired thanks to the GCoM, on which we can build a better future for our cities.”

A GLOBAL MOVEMENT

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) is the largest global alliance of mayors and local authorities, with more than 13.200 cities engaged in more than 144 countries around the world. Commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy means a commitment not only to take bold local action, but also to work side by side with peers around the world to share innovative solutions that allow mayors to do more and faster. GCoM cities and local governments connect, exchange, learn, and share with each other.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the science and knowledge service of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union (EU). The JRC plays a key role in supporting EU policies by providing independent scientific and technical expertise. Its main objective is to ensure that the policies of the European Union are based on sound scientific evidence and robust data.

The JRC operates a network of research institutes located across different EU countries, covering a wide range of scientific disciplines. These institutes conduct research in areas such as agriculture, energy, environment, health, information technology, and more. The JRC collaborates with various stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and industry experts, to address complex challenges facing the EU.

The global climate is changing rapidly and nowhere are the impacts more deeply felt than in the local communities of all the world. From rising sea levels in coastal cities to devastating droughts in inland settlements, local leaders cannot afford to wait to act and they are not waiting.

  1. Scientific Research: Conducting research in various scientific fields to support EU policies and address societal challenges.
  2. Technical and Scientific Support: Providing expert advice, technical support, and scientific knowledge to EU institutions, Member States, and other stakeholders.
  3. Data and Information: Developing and maintaining databases, tools, and information systems to facilitate evidence-based policymaking.
  4. Standardization and Measurement: Contributing to the development and implementation of standards and measurements to ensure consistency and reliability in various areas.
  5. Risk Assessment: Conducting risk assessments and impact assessments to evaluate the potential consequences of different policy options.

THE THREE PILLARS

OF THE GCOM

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) will address three key issues: climate change mitigation, adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and universal access to safe, clean and affordable energy.

MITIGATION

Climate change mitigation refers to the adoption of measures aimed at accelerating the decarbonization of the atmosphere and reducing the impact produced by humanity on the climate and the environment.

ADAPTATION

Adaptation to climate change refers to actions taken to make society more resilient to the environmental degradation that is already occurring, so that it degrades less and less.

ENERGY

Guaranteeing universal access to energy is essential, but it goes further. Access to energy must be universal, and this in turn must be safe, clean and affordable.

The European Union (EU) actively supports the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in the Caribbean, providing financial assistance and technical support through the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. This collaboration empowers local leaders to implement effective climate resilience and sustainable energy solutions. The EU’s commitment underscores the importance of cross-border initiatives in addressing climate change impacts and advancing a more sustainable future for Caribbean communities.

SUPPORTED BY THE EU