​One month ahead of the COP23, cities and regions call Europe to keep up leadership in the fight against global warming with upgraded ambition and new financing initiatives for local climate action.

In presence of Commissioner for Energy and Climate Change, Miguel Arias Cañete, members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) called for adequate mechanisms for climate finance, reiterated the importance of involving all levels of government and said they would continue to strengthen relations with cities and regions outside Europe's borders to push the climate agenda forward.

EA Group member, Andrew Cooper said: "the reduction of CO2 emissions achieved by local governments needs to be measured, valued and encouraged.  A system of Locally Determined Contributions (LDC) needs to be established in addition to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to help bridge the emissions gap.” The Kirklees Councilor says "Locally Determined Contributions” will help limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. It would also allow us to set up higher yet remaining achievable targets."

The COR plenary also adopted Mr Cooper opinion on the "Environmental implementation review" which provides recommendation as to how to address the implementation gaps in the implementation of environmental law in the EU Member States.

The opinion urges the European Commission to place climate change into the next round of the EIR and to include both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The initial focus of the EIR is on waste management, nature and biodiversity protection, air quality, noise pollution and water quality and management.