David Miller named chair of climate change committee

In recognition of Toronto’s role as a world-leading environmental city, Mayor David Miller was today appointed chair of the influential C40 Group of major international cities committed to tackling climate change. The C40 cities have pledged to work together to share best practices and to take action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to achieve this, the group entered into a partnership arrangement with the Clinton Climate Initiative in 2006 to develop programs that would that would help cities drive forward action.

“I am proud and privileged to have been given the chance to lead the C40 and work with cities around the world who are leading in the fight against climate change,” said Mayor Miller. “Where national governments are falling short, cities are taking action and achieving results. Climate change is the issue of our time, possibly of all time, and through the C40, we have an opportunity to make real and lasting difference on this pressing global issue.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, will be honorary Deputy Chair, making him the first mayor to hold the new position. “I am delighted to be working with Mayor Miller and the C40 cities in recognition of my commitment for London to play a significant role in reduce carbon emissions, and tackle climate change,” said Mayor Johnson. “London is a world leader in this area, and I am determined to see that the expertise and innovation being developed here is shared with cities around the world.”

Consistent with the aims of the C40, the new arrangement ensures that the leadership of the group is rotated between all members in order to share expertise and fully represent global membership of the group. The C40 secretariat will continue to be based in London.

The C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group is made up of Addis Ababa, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Caracas, Chicago, Delhi, Dhaka, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Houston, Istanbul, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Karachi, Lagos, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto, Tokyo, and Warsaw.