Explainer

The first talks between mayors from 18 large cities around the world took place in London in 2005. They signed an agreement, pledging to join forces to combat climate change and consult each other in drafting policies.

The group soon grew to include further cities and became known as the Large Cities Climate Leadership Group. The project has been supported by former US President Bill Clinton and his Clinton Climate initiative group since 2006.

Today, the alliance has 40 members, which is why it's often referred to as the "C40 group." Cities from all the continents are part of it. They cooperate in fields as varied as building renovation and construction, lighting and energy supply to renewable energies, transportation, waste, water and port policies.

Working groups are set up to deal with specific topics. The current chairman of the C40 is David Miller, the mayor of Toronto.

The C40 frequently devises new initiatives and programs. Currently, the members are working closely to promote the use of electric cars in cities. The cities involved in this particular program include Bogota, Chicago, Copenhagen, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Seoul.

Author: Torsten Schaefer (sp)
Editor: Jennifer Abramsohn