Cities produce 70 percent of the world’s carbon emissions and can do a lot to reduce that pollution, even without national leadership. That was the sentiment at the C40 Mayors Summit taking place in Mexico City this week.
While there, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray signed a newmemorandum of understanding with the premier of Mexico City. Murray says it covers partnerships in areas such as sustainability, technology, education and culture, but more than anything, it demonstrates the power of local governments to band together.
“As we continue to hear from the new administration some pretty negative conversation around issues of trade and around Mexico and around Mexicans, I think this is one of the ways, city to city, we have committed to beginning a new relationship and grow that relationship," Murray said. "It’s a symbol of Mexico City and Seattle building a bridge that we think can be higher than any wall.”
Fourty-two U.S. mayors at the summit also signed an open letter on climate action to President-elect Trump, asking for his partnership in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They say the cost of prevention pales in comparison to the cost of inaction. They’re requesting assistance on local investments in things like mass transit and clean energy infrastructure.