A thorough investigation of the status quo of local climate protection activities in Germany, Japan and the U.S. provides the basis to reveal successful and efficient measures. A benchmark system helps to classify local climate protection strategies under different national framework conditions. The results will show how local governments deal with climate change mitigation and where they can learn from each other, with the aim to set up Local Governments Climate Partnerships.

PROJECT SCHEME

1. Research of past activities The first step is an analysis of past national, biand trilateral activities concerning climate protection. Existing town twinnings can be useful to collect information and learn about experiences from joint projects. 2. Analyse CO2 inventories Existing CO2 inventories are collected and analysed with respect to country-specific preconditions, creating a common base for an adequate benchmarking of local efforts to protect the climate. The evaluation focuses on the sectors energy and transport as well as on an overview of global CO2 emissions. Member cities of Climate Alliance and their corresponding twin towns provide the principal contacts for the project. Additionally, engaged cities in Japan and USA are invited to join the discussion. 3. Benchmark The aim is to compare climate protection activities of local authorities systematically and derive recommendations to support the implementation of effective measures on local levels. The main tasks will be: (a) to identify the scope of action for local authorities in Germany, Japan, and the U.S. The examination of national backgrounds helps to filter measures with respect to local differences. (b) to classify measures by field (energy, urban planning, transport) and type (use of administrative, fiscal, soft instruments etc., degree of implementation). (c) to assess activity profiles of local authorities and investigate how strong climate protection has already been integrated into cities actions. The knowledge serves as base to derive suitable measures.
An interrelation of these parameters allows to develop a dynamic benchmark system, that avoids a static rating of cities. The comparison is supposed to motivate cities to improve efforts rather than introducing absolute competition. 4. Workshops Workshops focus on the question how local authorities can benefit from mutual assistance and motivate each other in strengthening local action. A kick-off workshop united central actors in Germany, collected expectations and proposals from individual local governments and decided on further procedures how to contact twin cities overseas. Two intermediate workshops in Japan and the U.S. will be organised to present and discuss the benchmarking of cities and measures with representatives of local authorities in both countries. The principle aim is to work out recommendations to local (resp. regional or national) governments in order to strengthen climate change policies on the local level. Results will contribute to a better understanding of requirements and difficulties in each of the countries. In general, setup and scope of workshops depend strongly on successful funding by partners in Japan and the U.S. If possible, the workshops should be integrated into running events, so that expenses for organizers and participants remain moderate.
The final workshop will take place in Germany and will bring local representatives from all countries together. The plan is to organize a City Climate Tour with stops in participating cities who will present local landmarks of climate protection and host international guests. The gathering also offers the opportunity to officially declare Climate Protection Partnerships and to revitalize the relation between partner cities. 5. Dissemination During the course of the project, international events are used to share results in public and to foster local climate protection worldwide.

Invitation

All cities from Germany, USA and Japan are heartily invited to join and benefit from the Local Governments Climate Partnership.

More information on:

www.climatealliance.org
The Local Governments Climate Partnership is a research and development project funded by the German Agency for the Environment.

Project Partners:

ifeu Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg, Germany

Cooperation Partner:

Contact:
Climate Alliance - European Secretariat - Galvanistrae 28 - 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Ms Ulrike Janssen - u.janssen@climatealliance.org - Tel: +49-69-39-21