Copenhagen recognised for its climate endeavours

Denmark’s capital belongs to the most climate-ambitious cities in the world and was recognised as a front-runner in climate adaptation at WWF’s international competition Earth Hour City Challenge.

Copenhagen has been highlighted for its climate ambitions during WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge ceremony in Vancouver, Canada.

In particular, the jury commended Copenhagen for its Climate Adaptation Plan, which emphasises a strong level of social sustainability through citizen inclusion as well as the ambitious goal for Copenhagen to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

Copenhagen’s district heating system and its bicycle culture also left a lasting impression on the jury, which consisted of leading experts in the climate area.

“That Copenhagen once again has been internationally recognised for its efforts in CO2 reductions is first and foremost recognition to the many Copenhageners that think green in their everyday life. Half of Copenhageners ride their bike to work and studies and it was the citizens of Copenhagen who pushed for a harbour with clean water and good recreational spaces.

Furthermore, Copenhageners take global responsibility for the world’s climate by supporting the city’s ambition to become the first CO2-neutral capital by 2025 through dedicated sorting of trash and acquisition of shares in our new wind turbines at Prøvestenen, says Mayor for Technical and Environmental Affairs in Copenhagen Morten Kabell.

“Copenhagen has deservedly been rewarded for displaying the ambition and determination needed to curb the global climate challenges that threaten cities, people and nature across the globe”, says CEO of WWF Denmark Gitte Seeberg.

Cape Town claimed top spot as winner of the Earth Hour Capital 2014 award. In total, 163 cities participated in the competition, of which 33 were chosen for the final. The Earth Hour City Challenge competition has been launched to put the spotlight in the role of cities in the challenge against climate changes.

Today, the world’s cities account for 70% of CO2 emissions related to fossil fuels.

Source: State of Green