PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Accelerated Sub-national climate Action & Participation through One Planet City Challenge As the home to 75% of EU citizens and the source of most CO2 emissions, all cities need to be activated and engaged in implementing climate policies if EU targets are to be met. There is a large implementation gap between cities ostensibly committed to action on climate change and those able to meet basic policy formulation and reporting requirements regarding their planned measures. Through the LIFE ASAP project we accelerate the implementation of EU’s climate policies and legislation and contribute to the European Climate Pact by offering a solution which has been operated by WWF on the global level for ten years to increase cities’ engagement and capacity to take action on climate change. The One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) combines independent science-based assessment and guidance on cities’ climate action targets and plans with a friendly competition between cities while celebrating the most ambitious and innovative ideas, actions, people, and policies. As part of the Challenge process, WWF reviews cities’ climate action plans against best planning practices and assesses whether their targets align with the Paris Agreement of keeping global heating within 1.5 °C. Guidance is provided for the most effective actions for meeting their necessary targets. Additionally, best performing cities are rewarded with public recognition and are helped to promote their actions and plans to their citizens. Joining the Challenge is an effective vehicle for urban policymakers to keep themselves motivated to make needed and desired changes. We also support cities in their policy-based public outreach to ensure that their citizens can monitor their local government, and are invited to design and co-create their future climate action plans.