The Covenant of Mayors initiative in the Southern Mediterranean region (CoM Med) has made remarkable progress despite significant local challenges and complex political and socioeconomic contexts. In collaboration with the Clima-Med project, CoM Med has expanded its reach considerably over the past few years. The initiative has welcomed 147 new signatories, with 73 cities successfully developing Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) across seven countries in the region.
These developments represent a significant commitment by Mediterranean cities to tackling climate change, aligning closely with national objectives as expressed in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The cities’ unwavering dedication is supported by consistent actions that address major emitting sectors and key vulnerabilities. The increasing number of adhesions to the CoM initiative in the South Mediterranean (CoM Med) reflects the growing relevance and impact of the actions proposed in the SEACAPs.
The SEACAPs are more than just technical documents; they serve as comprehensive blueprints for a more sustainable future. These plans forge a path toward a greener, more resilient Mediterranean by focusing on both climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. With an ambitious target to cut 4.5 Mt CO2-eq emissions by 2030/2040, these Plans concentrate on key sources of emissions, from the building sector, responsible for 40% of planned reductions to waste management, which accounts for 25%.
However, the efforts extend beyond emission reduction. Each SEACAP includes a detailed climate risk analysis and adaptation strategies to identify the most pressing climate hazards, such as extreme heat, drought, and water scarcity. This comprehensive approach ensures that cities are also preparing for the inevitable impacts of climate change.
The recent report by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), titled “Assessment of the Covenant of Mayors Initiative in the Southern Mediterranean Region,” highlights the crucial role CoM Med plays in supporting local authorities to align and contribute to the EU’s climate goals. It summarizes the main findings from the assessment of the 73 SEACAPs submitted by cities from Southern Mediterranean Countries between 2021 and 2023. It focuses on the Southern Mediterranean area to show the key role local authorities in this region can play in supporting international and EU climate objectives.
In the face of adversity, the CoM Med community stands as a beacon of progress, continuously evolving and demonstrating that local action can drive global change. Cities recognize the importance and benefits of being signatories to the CoM Med initiative. The CoM is seen as a lever for transferring knowledge, providing a platform where signatories can benefit from the experiences and lessons learned by other municipalities in sustainable local energy planning.
Fifteen years on, the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and steady growth as it leads the region’s efforts to combat climate change. The CoM Med initiative has proven to be a significant force in aligning local efforts with national and international climate objectives. As cities continue to join and implement their SEACAPs, the initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future in the Southern Mediterranean region, showcasing the crucial role of local action in the global fight against climate change.
Read the report here: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC137466
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