World Energy Cities Partnership Signing of the Calgary Climate Change Accord

Fifteen of the world's leading energy producing cities gathered in Calgary October 5-9 to discuss climate change.  The World Energy Cities Partnership meetings included action plans and strategies for reducing our carbon footprint.  During the meetings, the mayors of nine of these international energy cities signed a landmark accord that commits to bold greenhouse gas reduction targets for their municipal operations and wider communities.  It also calls for action and leadership on climate change. 

The nine cities, including Calgary, agreed to reduce their local governments' 2005 carbon outputs levels by 20 per cent for 2020, and by 80 per cent for 2050. 
 
The City of Calgary’s Environmental and Safety Management team hosted two community events in conjunction with the Calgary Accord signing. The first, sponsored by Sustainability for Breakfast and the Calgary Zoo,  provided opportunities for networking and an overview of local and international perspectives on actions to address a low carbon future. The second event was a panel discussion about what is required to achieve a low carbon future for Calgary. Panel members included Gary Holden (ENMAX), Frances Bowen (Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary), Marlo Raynolds (Pembina Institute) and Alan Knight (Virgin Group of Companies).  The co-host was Calgary Economic Development, and the event sponsor was ConocoPhillips Canada. 
 
As a result of the World Energy Cities Partnership meetings, the City of Calgary’s Community Energy Initiative has developed partnerships with the cities of Aberdeen, Scotland, Perth, Australia and Stavanger, Norway in order to cooperate on mutual efforts that serve to achieve a low carbon future.