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More than 100 city leaders sign Cork Call to Action on Climate and Health
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- Mayors from 60 cities in 22 countries commit to local action as heat and climate-related deaths rise across Europe.
More than 100 mayors, deputy mayors and elected representatives from 60 cities in 22 European countries have signed the Cork Call to Action on Climate and Health.
The Call-to-Action contains commitments to local action on nature, food, active travel, housing and preparedness for extreme weather.
Leaders negotiated and agreed the commitments over two days during the WHO Summit of Mayors on Climate and Health in Cork, Ireland, hosted by Cork City Council and the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.
Europe is the fastest-warming region in the world, heating up at around twice the global average.
The Call-to-Action puts cities on the front line of the climate crisis and also on the front line of the solutions. Signatories committed to 5 thematic priorities:
- Nature-positive cities: protecting and restoring biodiversity and green and blue spaces and using nature-based solutions;
- Healthier, sustainable food systems: affordable, nutritious food, stronger local food economies and less food waste;
- Active cities: investment in walking, cycling and public transport;
- Healthy homes: better housing quality, energy efficiency and affordable, healthy living conditions; and
- Resilience and preparedness: protecting communities from extreme weather, flooding and heat.
Leaders also pledged to put health, equity and climate justice at the centre of local decision-making, so that every community shares in the benefits of climate action.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin opened the summit and set out Ireland’s support for local government action on climate and health. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland and Chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, delivered the keynote address and led the high-level political discussions. With Professor Sir Andy Haines, the Commission’ chief scientific advisor, she set out how cities can put the Commission’s recommendations into practice.
Damian Boylan, Lord Mayor of Cork, said: “This declaration is a clear show of political leadership from mayors and city leaders across Europe on one of the greatest challenges facing our communities. The discussions, workshops and site visits here over the past 2 days confirmed that climate change isn’t a distant or theoretical issue. It’s already affecting the health of our citizens, and cities have a central role in delivering practical solutions. I hope the Cork Call to Action becomes a catalyst for further collaboration and ambition.”
Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Systems at WHO/Europe, said: “Cities are where people feel the impacts of climate change most directly, and where we’re seeing some of the most effective solutions. The commitment made in Cork today by more than 100 political leaders shows a growing recognition that investing in healthy homes, sustainable food, active mobility, nature and resilience is investing in the health and prosperity of current and future generations.”
UCC President Professor John O’Halloran MRIA, who attended the event, said: “The scale and urgency of the climate crisis demands responses that are ambitious, collaborative and sustained. Universities have a vital role in turning research and expertise into action by working with cities, policymakers, health leaders and communities. UCC Sustainability Institute brings together expertise across climate action, the circular economy and healthy environments, recognising that the health of people and our planet are inseparable. We look forward to continuing to work with Cork City Council and partners locally and internationally to translate ambition into action and build healthier, more resilient communities.”