350 EU cities pledge to cut carbon

Over 350 European cities, including 15 in the UK, have committed to cutting back CO2 emissions more than 20% by 2020, compared with 1990 levels.

The cities signed the Covenant of Mayors, which commits them to exceed carbon reduction targets for EU member states.

Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner, said: “Most of the energy produced in Europe is consumed in urban areas.

“The battle against climate change will have to be fought and won in the cities.”

Cities in 23 European countries signed up to the scheme, including major capitals such as Madrid, Paris, and London.

Other cities in Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine and Turkey signed the agreement, which was given backing by worldwide cities such as New York, Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Christchurch (New Zealand).

In the UK, Birmingham, Nottingham and Coventry signed up as well as all councils in North-East England.

Over 100 mayors from across the EU attended the signing ceremony, which was chaired by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

“Voluntary actions by citizens are crucial, changing our energy behaviour, making intelligent investments, adopting smart mobility practices, these are actions that need to be motivated,” said Barroso.

Cities signed up to the scheme will have to submit a carbon reduction strategy within the next twelve months, and report back to the EU every two years.